










































































































w 

























































































































































































































































































V ^, 






\ 






x .,-> * 






























. 






^ 
'+ 









*p 









s <<. 





















\ v " 


















^ 



























v'- 


















oo x 




























































*v 






















I 









*>., -\\ 



■';<. 






A 



C^ 
























^ 









IRISH 
COM-ALL-YE' 





A REPOSITORY OF ANCIENT IRISH SONGS AND BALLADS— COMPRIS- 
ING PATRIOTIC, DESCRIPTIVE, HISTORICAL AND HUMOROUS 
GEMS, CHARACTERISTIC OF THE IRISH RACE, 



Compiled and Arranged by 



MANUS O.'COINOR 



New York: 
THE POPULAR PUBLISHING COMPANY, 

No. 335 Broadway. 












T H? I leFtABY or 

QC-NGflESS, 
Two CoHM KfcCErvtc 

IAN. 3 1 2 

CO^vWOMT 6MTRY 

/- -/r<lr/ 

1,1 3 SI 
COHir B. 



Copyright, 1901, 

BY 

T. J. CARET. 



SPECIAL NOTICE. 

Words and music of any song in this 
collection sent postpaid on receipt of 
4« cents. Address. 

Trne Popdi.ar Publishing Co., 

885 Broadway, New York. 



^ 









CONTENTS. 



A Cup 0' Tay 

Acushla Gal Maehree M. Doheny 

Adieu, My Own Dear Erin J. J. Callanan 

Andy M'Elroe 

Angel's Whisper, The Moore 

An Irish Girl's Opinion 

A Private Still 

A Sweet Irish Girl is the Darling 

Athlone Landlady, The 

Avondhu J. J- Callanan 

Bacon and Greens 

Ballyhoolev 

Banks of Claudy, The 

Banks of Sweet Dundee, The 

Bantry Girl's Lament for Johnny, The 

Bard of Armagh, The 

Barney Brallaghan 

Barney McCoy 

Barney O'Hea 

Battle of Fontenoy Thomas Davis 

Battle of the Boyne Colonel Blacker 

Beautiful Shamrock of Old Ireland 

Believe me, if all those Endearing Young 

Charms Moore 

Bellewstown Races 

Bells of Shandon Rev. F. Mahony 

Billy O'Rourke 

Birth of Ireland, The 

Blackbird, The 

Blarney, The Lover 

Boatman of Kinsale, The Thomas Davis 

Bold Jack Donahoe 

Bonny Bunch of Roses, The 

Bonny Irish Boy 

Bouchelleen Bawn J. Kecgan 

Boys of Kilkenny, The 

Boys of Wexford, The 

Brennen on the Moor 

Brian the Brave Thomas Moore 

Bridget Donohue 

Bridget Molloy • 

Bride of Fallow, The 

Brigade at Fontenoy, The B. Bowling 

Bright Emerald Isle of the Sea 

Brosna's Banks J. Frazer 

Bryan O'Lynn 

Burke's Dream 

Cahal Mor of the Wine-Red Hand 

Calm Avonree, The John Locke 

Caoch, the Piper J. Keegan 

Castlebar Boy, The 

Celtic Cross, The T. D. McGee 

Charming Judy Callaghan Lover 

Colleen Bawn 

Colleen Bawn, The 

Colleen Dhas Cruthin Amoe 

Come Back to Erin 

Come Back to Your Old Irish Home 

Convict and the Cross, The 

Coolun, The Martin McDermott 



7 

13 

35 

85 

34 

60 

CO 

133 

14!) 

139 

02 
73 
3!) 
68 

132 
50 
45 

134 
65 
34 
71 

118 

120 
72 
24 
99 
66 
36 
50 
69 
22 

127 
54 
92 
44 
28 
59 
48 
89 

132 
10 

129 
26 

108 
64 
70 

103 

91 

31 

94 

45 

80 

30 

156 

116 

103 

26 

124 

64 



Cormac Thos. F. Wilford 66 

Corporal Casey 21 

County Jail 121 

County of Mayo, The Geo. Fox 41 .- 

Cow That Ate the Piper, The 29 

Crooskeen Lawn Dion Boucicault 54 

Croppy Boy, The Carroll Malone 11 

Cushla-Mo-Chree J. F. Waller 05 

Darby Kelly 155 

Darling Old Stick 51 

Darrynane D. F. MacCarthy 125 

Dear Emerald Isle, The Geo. W. York 110 

Dear Irish Boy, The 57 

Dear Little Shamrock, The 112 

Dear Old" Ireland Ill 

Dear Praties 152 

Death of Owen Roe, The 104 

Dermot Astore Mrs. Crawford 146 

Dermot O'Dowd Lover 74 

Digging for Gould 43 

Donal Kenny J. E. Casey 25 

Donnelly and Cooper 27 

Donnybrook Fair 52 

Doran's Ass 43 - 

Drimmin Dubh Dheelish 19 

Drinane Dhun D. F. MacCarthy 63 

Dublin Bay 156 

Ellen Bawn J. C. Mannan 22 

Emerald Isle, The 153 

Emmet'a Death 69 

Emmet's Farewell to His Sweetheart 109 

Enniskillen Dragoon, The 78 

Erin 59 

Erin-Go-Bragh 73 

Erin, My Country Wm. M Comb 42 

Erin's Flag Rev. A. J. Ryan 85 

Erin's Green Shore 38 

Erin's Lovely Home 25 

Exile of Erin, The Thomas Campbell 41 

Exiles of Erin, The 100 

Fairy Bov, The Samuel Lover 150 

Fairy Well, The 147 

Fan Fitzgerl A. P. Graves 92 

Father Molloy Samuel Lover 17 

Father O'Flynn 29 

Father Tom O'Neil 8 

Felon's Love, The J. K. Casey 101 

Fenian's Escape, The 55 

Flag of Our Land Rev. A. J. Ryan 101 

Flaming O'Flanagans 96 

Fortune in the Fire 148 

Four-Leaved Shamrock, The 137 

Fox Hunt, The 124 

Gael and the Green, The 84 

Garryowen 32 

Gathering of the Mahonys, The 100 

Gille Maehree Gerald Griffin 34 

Girl of Dunbwy, The Thorns Davis it 



CONTENTS. 



Class of Whisky 131 

Glen of the Lakes, The Rev. T. A. Butler 128 

Glenfinishk J. O'Leary 1 17 

Goat, The L40 

Gougaune Barra 107 

Good-by. Mike, Good-by, Pat 33 

Gramachree Molly L58 

Grandfather Brian 121 

Grave of Wolfe Tone, The 39 

Green Above the Red, The 58 

Green Flag, The 97 

Green Isle, The 159 

< ; reen Linnet, The 1 < ' 

( ; roves of Blarney 33 

Earpstrings Rev. J. I'. Lonargan 8 

Harp That Once Moore 10 

Harp Without the Crown, The ....Carroll Walone L22 

Heenan and Sayers 76 

Here's a Health to Sweet Erin D. Ryan 157 

" Holly and Ivy " Girl, The J. Ket gan 37 

Holycross Abbey If. Simmons 139 

How Erin Was Born 116 

How Paddy Stole the Rope OS 

Hurling of the Green D. Holland 56 

Husband's Dream, The 07 

I Dreamed That Old Ireland Was Free 20 

I Love Old Ireland Still 121 

I'm Not Myself At All Lover 22 

I'm I'roud I'm An Irishman Born 123 

I'm Proud I'm An Irishman's Son 88 

Innishowen V. U. Duffy 130 

Ireland's Protest F. L- 93 

I I iland's Welcome Richard 8. Burke 87 

Ireland \\ ill Yet Be Free 129 

Irish Castles 90 

I rish ( loquetry 89 

Irish Emigrant, The Countess of Cifford 156 

dish Girl, The 15 

Irish Hurrah, The 49 

Irish Mary John Banim 21 

Irish Molly 52 

Irish Mother's Dream, The 129 

Irish National Hymn 125 

Irish Peasant Girl, The John Banim 120 

Irish Refugee, The 53 

Irish Spree, The 80 

Irish Stranger, The Ill 

Irish Volunteer, The ('. Dibdin 17 

Irish Wedding, The 57 

Irishmen of To-Day, The 132 

Irishman, The James Orr 11!) 

Irishman's Shanty, The US 

Johnny Doyle 1 6 

Jennie, I'm Not Jesting 1. /'. Graves 37 

Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ye 92 

Judy MeCarty 18 

J ug of Punch 151 

Kale Kearney Chas. Lever 17 

Kate O'Brien 112 

Kale O'Ryan 91 

Kate of Arraglen !>. Lane 51 

Kate of Kenmare D. F. McCarthy 7(i 

Kate of Killashee Wm. Collins 62 

Kathleen Ban Adair Thomas Davis 32 

Kathleen's Fetch 15n 

Kitty Avourneen 97 

Katy'e Letter Lady Dufferin 1 30 



Kerry Dance 46 

Kerry Recruit, The 95 

Kill 'or Cure 40 

Killarney 81 

Kilkenny Boy, The 157 

Kilruddery Hunt, The 135 

Kitty Neil D. F. McCarthy 55 

Kitty of Coleraine 44 

Kitty Tyrrell Lovtr 12 

Lads who Live in Ireland 47 

l.ad\ of Knock, The 7s 

Lakes of Cold Finn 15 

Lament of Granu Wail lluyh Harkin 1 '■'■ ■"> 

Lamentation of James Rodgers 24 

Land of Potatoes, Oh ! The'. 73 

Land of the Shillelah, The 15S 

Lanigan's Ball 100 

Lanty Leary Samuel Lorn- ] is 

Larry Magee's Wedding Lover s:{ 

Larry McHale Lover 1 15 

Larry O'Gaff 55 

Larry's On the Force Irwin Russell 140 

Limerick is Beautiful Dion Boucicault 12 

Loch Ina 148 

Love in Reality I F. Waller 

Lovely Mary Donnelly Lllingha m 96 

Lover's Complaint, The 112 

Love-Sick Maid, The 158 

Love's Warning tduard Kenealy 82 

Love's Young Dream Moore 1 10 

Low Back Car, The 87 

Mac's and the O's, The 79 

Maggie's Secret 143 

Maid of Ballyhaunis 157 

Maid of Castle Craigh, The 140 

Maid of Sweet Gorteen, The 31 

Mantel So Green 38 

Mary Le More 11 

.Mary Machree 154 

Mary of the Curls Moore 92 

Mary of Tipperary Samuel Lover 49 

Mary of Tralee J. E. Carpenter 159 

McCarthy's Mare 110 

McDonald's Return to Glenco 1 36 

McPadden's Pic-Nic 39 

Meeting of the Waters. The Thomas Moore 54 

Memory of the Dead, The 48 

.Men of Tipperary. The Thomas Davis 21 

Michael Dwyer 44 

Mike's Courtship 138 

Mister Finagan 42 

Mister Michael Murphy 131 

Mo Craoibhin ('no Edward Walsh 29 

Molleen ( Ige 1 . /'. a raws r,4 

Molly Asthore Lover 122 

Molly Brallaghan 41 

Molly Carew Samuel Lover 107 

Molly Muldoon 97 

Monks of the Screw, The ■/. /'. Curran 37 

Morrisey and the Russian ."> ) 

Morrissey and the Benicia Boy 44 

Morning on the Irish Coast John Locke 135 

Mother. He's Going Away .s'. Lover 71 

Mrs. Mc Laughlin's Party (il 

My Bonnie Laboring Boy si 

My Emmet's No More 14:1 

My Good Looking Man 7 

My Noble Irish Girl L. Reynolds M D. 35 



CONTEN IS. 



Nancy, the Pride of the West 

Nell Flaherty's Drake 

Nora McShane 

Nora O'Neal 

Norah Creina Thomas Moore 

Norah Darling, Don't Believe Them 

Norah Magee 

O'Donnell Abu 

O'Donnell the Avenger 

< ('Donovan's Daughter Edward Walsh 

( ('Farrell the Fiddler 

Oh, Erin, My Country 

Oh, Molly, 1 Can't Say You're Honest Lover 

Oh! Steer My Bark to Erin's Isle F. H. Bayly 

Oh! the Marriage Thomas Davis 

Old Bog Hole, The 

Old Church, The Tyrone Power 

< )ld Country Party, The 

Old Farmer's Discourse, The 

Old Ireland I Adore James Walsh 

Old Ireland's Hearts and Hands 

Old Land Marks On the Shannon. J. F. O'Donnell 

Old Leather Breeches, The 

Old Plaid Shawl, The 

One Bottle More 

One of the Brave Connaught Rangers. H. Wincott 

One Pound Two 

( (range and Green Gerald Griffin 

< )i angeman's Wife Carroll Malone 

O'Reilly the Fisherman 

O, Sons of Erin Rev. Wm. J. McClure 

Ould Docther Mack 

Ould Ireland So Green 

Ould Ireland, You're My Darlin' 

Paddy at the Theatre 

Paddy Blake's Echo Lover 

Paddy Carey 

Paddy Magee's Dream 

Paddy McGee 

Paddy Miles 

Paddy, Ye Rascal 

Paddy's Curiosity Shop 

Paddy's Panacea Joseph Lunn 

Paddy's Pastoral Rhapsody 

Pastheen Fion Samuel Ferguson 

Pat and the Pig J. E. Carpenter 

Pat and the Priest 

Pat Malony's Family 

Pat Malloy 

Pat O'Hara 

Pat of Mullingar 

Pat Roach at the Play 

Pat's Letter 

Pat's Love J. D. W. 

Pater Noster M. J. Heffernan 

Patrick Riley 

Pa t rick Shechan 

Patriots of Ireland 

Peasant's Bride, The 

Petticoat Lane 

Pillar Towers of Ireland, The 

Poacher, The Chas. G. H alpine 

Poor Man's Labor Never Done, The 

Poor Pat Must Emigrate 

Pretty Girl of Loch Dan, The S. Ferguson 

Pretty Maid Milking Her Cow, The 

Pretty Mary, the Dairyman's Daugnter 



Bakes of Mallow, The 



150 
14 
50 
141 
144 
149 
157 

98 

2," 

28 

90 

93 

14 

155 

7 

05 

104 

95 

102 

113 

142 

102 

75 

84 

23 

104 

20 

138 

46 

49 

122 

114 

98 

126 

48 

94 

20 

99 

84 

99 

160 

145 

155 

38 

47 

148 

120 

128 

116 

20 

10 

117 

105 

96 

18 

35 

72 

134 

123 

18 

137 

23 

31 

106 

109 

58 

113 

93 



Reconciliation, The John Banim 94 

Rich and Rare Were the Gems She Wore. . . Moore 111 

Riding Double 132 

Rigged Out T. D. Sullivan 1 19 

Rising of the Moon, The J. K. Casey 111 

River Boyne, The T. D. McGee 152 

River Roe, The 47 

Robert Emmett Wm. Geoghegan 106 

Rock of Cashel, The Rev. Dr. Murray 145 

Rocky Road to Dublin 1!) 

Rory of the Hills 74 

Rory O'More Lover 90 

Rory'6 Kissing School 14'.) 

Rosanna Carney OS 

Rose of Kenmare, The Sheridan 26 

Rose of Killarney 142 

Rose of Tralee, The 80 

Sacret Yez Trusted to Me, The 

Mrs. Edward Thomas 153 

Saint Patrick Was a Gentleman 105 

Savourneen Deelish 13 

Search the Page of History 76 

Shamrock and Laurel, The . . . . Rev. Wm. McClure 50 

Shamrock From The Irish Shore, The 

D. F. MacCarthy 140 

Shamrock on Patrick's Day 102 

Shamrock Shore, The 74 

Shamus O'Brien 160 

Shan Van Vogh 32 

Shane Dymas' Daughter 142 

Shillelah, The 68 

Shule Aroon 110 

Shaun's Head John Savage 36 

Siege of Maynooth, The 108 

Skibbereen 8S 

Slattery's Mounted Fut 83 

Smiggy Maglooral 143 

Soggarth Aroon Ferguson S2 

Song of Innisfail Thomas Moore 67 

Song of the Irish Exile John Banim, 133 

Sons of Hibernia, The 150 

Spinning-Wheel Song J. /■'. Waller 151 

Sprig of Shillelah, The 13 

" Stamping Out " " Miles O'Reill / " .",7 

Star of Glengary, The 11 

St. Patrick's Day /. /■'. Waller 144 

St. Patrick's Martyrs 12 

Sweet Erin, My Country P. A. Carroll 131 

Sweet girls of Deny, The J . E. Carpenter 158 

Sweet Innisfallen Moore 1 1 5 

Sweet Irish Girl is the Darning for Me, A 150 

Sweet Kilkenny Town 151 

Sweet Kathleen, the Girl I Adore... P. A. Carroll 146 

Sweet Songs of Erin Asthore P. A. Carroll 141 

Tan Yard Side, The 25 

Teddy McGlynn 82 

Teddv O'Monaghan's Courtship 02 

Teddy O'Neal 14 

Terence's Farewell to Kathleen 

Countess Gifford 89 

Terry Malone 151 

Terry O'Rann CO 

Terry O'Roon and His Wonderful Tune 

J. E. Carpenter 147 

That Rogue Reilly 57 

Tim Finigan's Wake 136 

Tim McCarthy's Daughter 81 

Tipperary 67 

Tipperary Christening, The 15 



6 



CONTENTS. 



Tony Lumpkin's Song Oliver Goldsmith 123 

To Sustain the Family Reputation I" 

True Irish King, The 126 

True Lover'6 Discussion, The • ' 

Twelve Stone Two 79 

Up for the Green 50 

Valley Lay Smiling Before Me, The Moore 137 

Virgin Mary's Hank, The J. J. Callanan 7, 

Volunteers, The M. 0. B. 117 

Waterford Boys, The H5 

Wearing of the Green, The 40 

Wearing of the Green, The Dion Boucicault 09 

Wearing of the Green, The //. O. Cumin 130 

Wedding of Ballypon en, The 03 

We May Roam Thro' This World Moore 127 

What Irish Bovs Can Do 23 

What Will You Do, Love Lover 139 

Where the Grass Grows Green 144 

Whistling Thief, The Samuel Lover 154 



Why Can't Paddy Be a Gentleman ? 

Why Write You a Ditty* Rev. J. P. Lonargan 

Widow Machree chas - LiV ' r 

Widow Malone Chow. L< w r 

Widow McCarty, The Samuel Lover 

Widow McGee Samuel Luii r 

Widow's Message to Her Son, The 

Wild Irish Boy, The 

Willy Reilly 

Winnie's Welcome 

Wirrasthrue Gerald Qriflm 

Woman of Three Cows. The •/. C. U<">gan 

Won't You Leave l"s a Lock of Your Hair 

J. J. V. 

Woods of Kylinoe. The L. N. F. 

Written in Letters of Gold 

Yellow Meal 

Y'oughall Harbor 

You Remember, Ellen " oore 

You're Welcome as Flowers in May 

J. E. Carpenter 



9 

9 

53 

62 

9 

86 

10 

26 

86 

117 

lr.l 

120 

103 
114 
75 

56 

95 

141 

152 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



MY GOOD-LOOKING MAN. 

Come, all you pretty maids, of courage brave and true, 
I will teach you how to happy live, and avoid all troubles, too; 
Aud if you live a wedded life, now plainly understand, 
And don't you ever fall in love with all good-looking men. 

When I was sixteen years of age, a damsel in my prime, 
I daily thought on wedded life, and how I'd be at the time; 
I daily thought on wedded life, its pleasures I did scan, 
And I sighed and sobbed, both night and day, to get a nice young 
man. 

My wish, it seems, too soon I got, for one Sunday afternoon, 
As home from church I gaily tripped, I met a fair gossoon; 
He looked so tine about the face, to win him I made a plan, 
And that very day I set my cap for that good-looking man. 

Again, by chance, as out I stepped to take a pleasant roam, 
I met this handsome gentleman, who wished to see me home; 
I'd fain say no, but it was no use, to go with me was his plan, 
So to my home I walked along with my good-looking man. 

He said to me, as on we walked: My dear and only love, 
If with me you'll consent to wed, I will ever constant prove; 
I'll ever be a husband kind and do the best I can, 
So my heart and hand I then did give to my good-looking man. 

That night was fixed for us to wed — he bid me have all cheer — 
He pressed me to his breast, saying: Oh, my Mary dear! 
He gently pressed me to his breast, saying: " Oh, my Mary dear! 
And there I tied that dreadful knot with that good-looking man. 

It was scarce a week, when married I was, one Sunday afternoon, 
The day went by, the night came on, off went the honeymoon; 
My gent walked out — so did I — for to watch him was my plan, 
When soon a ilashy girl I saw with my good-looking man. 

At once a thought came in my head to entrap my faithless swain, 
So quickly I did gain on him, and followed on his train; 
It was then and there I heard him swear his love for her outran, 
The closest ties for any maid — " Oh, what a nice young man ! " 

They kissed and toyed, and tales of love to her he then did tell, 
Thinks I to myself, now is the time to serve you outright well; 
• He did not me at all espy, so to my home I ran, 

And there sat down to anxiously wait for my good-looking man. 

The clock was just striking ten, when my gentleman he walked in, 
I gently said: My William, dear, where hast thou so long been? 
I have been to church, my love, said he — Oh ! this I could not 

stand, 
So the rolling pin I did let fly at my good-looking man. 

I blacked his eyes, I tore his hair, in ribbons I tore his clothes, 
I then took up the poker and laid it across his nose; 
He just looked like a chimney-sweep, as out the door he ran, 
And never a lady loved again with my good-looking man. 

Now, you married folks, take my advice, high and low degree, 
When a rakish husband you do get, pitch into him like me; 
When I found out I was deceived, it was my only plan 
To disfigure the handsome countenance of my good-looking man. 



A CUP 0' TAY. 

Och! prate about your wine, 
Or poteen, mighty foine, 
There's no such draught as mine, 

From Ireland to Bombay! 
And whether black or green, 
Or divil a shade between, 
There's nothing I have seen 

Wid a gintale cup o' tay! 

Whist! hear the kettle sing, 
Like birds in early spring; 
A sup for any king 

Is the darlint in th< thray. 
Ould cronies dhroppin' in, 
The fat ones and the thin, 
Shure all their hearts I win 

Wid a gintale cup o' tay! 

Wid whiskey punch galore 
How many heads grow sore? 
Shalalahs, too, a score 

Most beautifully play. 
Wid all their hathin ways, 
Good luck to thim Chinaise, 
Who sind us o'er the says 

Such a gintale cup o' tay! 

OH! THE MARRIAGE. 

Oh ! the marriage — the marriage, 

With love and mo buachail for me, 
The ladies that ride in a carriage 

Might envy my marriage to me; 
For Owen is straight as a tower, 

And tender and loving and true, 
He told me more love in an hour 

Than the squires of the county could do. 
Then, oh ! the marriage, etc. 

His hair is a shower of soft gold, 

His eye is as clear as the day, 
His conscience and vote were unsold 

When others were carried away ; 
His word is as good as an oath, 

And freely 'twas given to me; 
Oh ! sure 'twill be happy for both 

The day of the marriage to see. 

Then, oh ! the marriage, etc. 

His kinsmen are honest and kind, 

The neighbors think much of his skill, 
And Owen's the lad to my mind, 

Though he owns neither castle nor mill. 
But he has a tilloch of land, 

A horse, and a stocking of coin, 
A foot for the dance, and a hand 

In the cause of his country to join. 
Then, oh! the marriage, etc. 



SONUS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



OH I THE MABRIAQE.— Continued. 

We meet in market and fair — 

We meet in the morning and night — 
He sits on half of my chair, 

And my people are wild with delight. 
Yet 1 long through the winter to skim, 

Though Owen longs more. 1 can see, 
When I will be married to him, 

And he will be married to me. 

Then, oh ! the marriage — the marriage, 
With love and mo buachail for me, 

The ladies that ride in a carriage 
Might envy my marriage to me, 

HARPSTR1NGS. 

Irish eyes of honest blue 
With their ways of playful tease. 
Heart and hand, so warm and true, 
Praise, — whose lips ne'er failed to please. 

Irish smile, so free of guile 
Angels, tempting but to bless; 
Like their bright and verdant isle — 
Half a dream, and half caress. 

Irish hearts — so b'.ess'd with love 
And such tenderness — to feel 
All but saints in heaven above, 
For such bliss would fondly kneel. 

Irish welcome, sweet to share; 
Strays the stranger to the Land 
Lone, and lost in deep despair 
He will grasp a greeting hand. 

Irish wit, beyond compare 
Lifts and leaves the bumper kind, 
When its sparkle, rich and rare, 
Fills the eye, and Hoods the mind. 

Irish grief, so weird and wild. 
When its soul of music breaks — 
Then the giant is the child 
As his sob, dread discord wakes. 

Irish homes — ye gems of grace, 
Where the light of mirth and prayer, 
Fitful, gleam from each pure face, 
Hound its parent fond and fair. 

Irish curses, long and loud. 
Fright the tyrant on his throne, 
Blind the cruel and the proud, 
Blight the traitor all disown. 

Irish hope, though gray with years. 
Wears a look almost divine. 
Not in vain those priestly tears 
God for thee hath set a sign. 

Irish heroes fought and bled. 
Shamed that I hey could give no more 
r Erin — and so they tied 
'.ill pleading to heaven's bright shore. 

Irish faith, shines undefined, 
Fervor- blessing every clime; 

ist iu dying on thee smiled, 
And its halo hallows time. 

Irishmen, Cod bless you all, 
-land together hand in hand; 
Hate's misrule must surely fall, 
And Cod bless old Ireland. 



FATHER TOM O'NEIL. 

THERE was a woman lived in this place, she had three charming 

sons, 
Their father died and left them, when very young ; 
A long time she endeavored to maintain her darling sons, 
Until the youngest one became a man at the age of twenty-one. 

One night he discoursed with his mother, these words to her did 

say : 
•• 1 think it will fall on one of us to go far away: 
Your land is too small to support us all, and if you would agree, 
1 am fully bent and well content a clergyman to be. 

His mother being glad to hear such a thought come in his mind, 
She says: " 1 will do all I can to help my darling child.' 
She spoke unto his brothers, and they did soon agree, 
They'd send him ofF to college, a clergyman to be. 

He was not long in college when the Rev. Bishop Brown 
Came to examine the collegians and viewed them all around. 
He saw this clever young man, marked him above them all — 
He was the first he did discourse when on them he did call. 

He says: "Young man, where are you from? come, tell me your 

name." 
" I am from the County Armagh, they call me Tom O'Neil; 
My mother she is a widow of a low degree; 
She has done her best endeavors to make a priest of me." 

"As Thomas O'Neil, then, is your name," the Bishop he did say; 

" Go, study hard, both night and day ; 

I will have you soon ordained, to help your mother that did so 

well for thee; 
I will send you home a credit, your country boys to see." 

When this young man came home ordained, the neighbors were 

glad to hear, 
And all that came to welcome him, came in twos and threes : 
Particularly his own dear friends to welcome him they ran, 
And you never saw such welcome as was for the widow's son. 

There was a man lived in this place, he was as rich as a duke or 

knight ; 
He had an only daughter, she was a beauty bright. 
She says unto her father: " I will go this young man to sic. 
For before he went to college, he was a schoolboy along with me." 

She was brought into a parlor, where she drank ale and wine ; 
She mi) -: " You are a clever young man. I would have you resign. 
What made you be a clergyman? you know- you are astray, 
For a clergyman must rise by night, and travel hard by day. 

"'Come take some noble lady whose fortune will be grand; 

You will have men to wait on you, and be a gentleman. 

Come, take myself now, as I stand; you know my fortune is 

great ; 
1 have ten thousand pounds a year, and. at a death, a whole 
estate." 

He Bays: " My noble lady, do not explain your mind. 

For if you oiler ten times more, 1 would not resign; 

For in this holy station I mean to lead my life; 

So say no more, my dearest dear, I will never take a wife." 

It was when he did deny her. this villain, she came home, 
And in eigh! weeks after, her secret she let know; 
She swore before the magistrate, that he did her beguile; 
And for four long weeks before she went to him, she was with 
child. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



FATHER TOM ONEIL.-Ccm<mi*ed. 

The morning of his trial, it grieved our heart full sore 
To see his tender mother; it grieved her ten times more 
To see her son, a clergyman, his age about twenty-three, 
To be cut down, in his prime, by cruel perjury. 

Now, Tom, what is the reason you don't marry this fair? 
i think she is a companion for a duke, 1 declare; 
What are you but a widow's son, that is both poor and mean? 
iou might think it a great honor such a lady to obtain. 

Then Father Tom stood up and said: I have no witness here, 
i call on the Almighty, and lie will make the clear; 
! never said I would marry her, or make her my wife, 
Iter 1 never knew a female from a man in all my life. 

Now, Tom, as you won't many her, 1 will give you to understand, 
Seven long years' transportation into Van Dieinen's Land; 
That is bad, but it might be worse. Then Father Tom did say : 
Our Saviour suffered more than that, when He died on Calvary. 

These words were hardly spoken, when a horse came as swift as 

wind, 
And on him came a rider, saying: I was not here in time; 
I call that trial over again, I am here that can reply; 
She wants two fathers for her child — that's Father Tom and I. 

I can tell the very moment, likewise the very spot, 

She gave me ten thousand pounds the night the child was got. 

She said she would give me a thousand more — if I would not let 

on; 
She wants to make a husband of the Right Reverend Father Tom. 

Then Father Tom put on his hat, and then began to smile; 
He says unto his mother: You see how God assists your child; 
They looked on one another, when they found her perjury; 
The villain was found guilty, and his reverence came home free. 

WHY CAN'T PADDY BE A GENTLEMAN ? 

Being told Pat couldn't be a gentleman, I've set myself the task, 
That I to-night the reason why of you my friends would ask; 
Hasn't Ireland got her colleges, that have for centuries stood. 
To teach the people— and you know their teaching's mighty good; 
Haven't Irishmen got heads and hearts — by dad, I know they've 

so. 
Then why can't Paddy be a gentleman? That's what I want to 

know. 

Some look down on an Irishman, as if they thought that we 
Could not but helpless dolts or fools e'er have a hope to be. 
What matters where a man is born. I see in Erin's isle 
There's lots of native gentlemen to greet you with a smile; 
For there's other kind of gentlemen, besides a dandy beau. 
Then why can't Paddy be a gentleman? That's what I want to 
know. 

You cannot give the reason why, I see it in your face; 
That Paddy's not a gentleman, because you know he is. 
He's always good to help a friend, although his means are scant; 
And if he's fond of blarney, he hates deceit and cant; 
His coat may be of common frieze, his heart won't freeze — oh, no ! 
Then why can't Paddy be a gentleman? That's what I want to 
know. 

If an Englishman's a gentleman, oh. worrah, then it's true; 
As Pat is John Bull's brother, then he must be one, too. 
Just read the Irish history, and in that same you'll find, 
Great deeds of Irish gentlemen— St. Patrick's one, d'ye mind; 
And don't forget this — ye who sneer at honest Paddy's worth — 
That actions make a gentleman, no matter what the birth. 



He 



THE WIDOW MCCARTY. 

Oh, have you not heard of MeCarty, 
Who lived in Tralee, good and hearty? 
had scarce lived two-score when death 

came to his door 
And made a widdy of .Mrs. MeCarty. 



Near by lived one Paddy McManus. 

Why by the way was a bit of a genius; 
At his trade he was goo 1, cuttin' figures of 
wood. 

Says he: I'll go see the widdy Me- 
Carty. 

Now Paddy, you know, was no ninny, 
He agreed, for a couple of guineas, 
To cut out a stick the dead image of Micky, 
And take it home to widdy MeCarty. 

As the widdy she'd sit by the fire 
Every night before she'd retire, 
She'd take the stick that was dead, put it 
into bed, 
And lay down by the wooden MeCarty. 

Now Pat wasn't long to discover 
That the widdy was wanting a lover; 
He made love to her strong, ana you'll say 

he wasn't wrong, 
For in three days he wed the widdy 

MeCarty. 

Their friends for to see them long 
tarried ; 

To bet Pat and the widdy they carried; 
She took up the stick that was cut for 
Micky, 

And under the bed shoved wooden Me- 
Carty. 

In the mornin' when Paddy was risin' 
He wanted somethin' to set the lire 

blazin'; 
Says she: If you're in want of a stick, just 

cut a slice off Micky, 
For I'm done with my "wooden MeCarty. 

W T HY WRITE YOU A DITTY? 

Why write you a ditty on Erin? 
Why seek you a sunbeam's delight, 
The sighs of harp and of maiden, 
But heard in the stillness of night. 

All over the world their soft echo 
Is faint in the glow of the moon. 
The rainbow, star, and the billow, 
Till Niobe sinks in her swoon. 

Thy ditties are strewn like shamrocks, 
With tears — grief's glislening dew, 
Which chills the lone exile n mocks, 
The millions who still mourn for you. 

Whoever gives sorrow his voice 
Will find it a fond song of thee. 
For had the poor exile his choice 
He'd return, could he set you free. 



10 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE BRIDE OP FALLOW. 

'Twas dying they thought her, 
And kindly they brought her 
To the banks of Blackwater, 
Where her forefathers lie; 

'Twas the place of her childhood, 
And they hoped that its wild wood 
And air soft and mild would 
Soothe her spirit to die. 

But she met on its border 
A lad who adored her — 
No rich man, nor lord, or 

A coward, or slave ; 
But one who had worn 
A green coat, and borne 
A pike from Slieve Mourne, 

With the patriots brave. 
Oh! the banks of the stream are 

Than emeralds greener 

And how should they wean her 

From loving the earth.' 
While the song-birds so sweet, 
And the waves at their feet, 
And each young pair they meet, 

Are all flushing with mirth. 

And she listed his talk. 

And he shared in her walk — 

And how could she balk 

One so gallant and true? 
But why tell the rest? 
Her love she confest, 
And sunk on his breast 

Like the even-tide dew. 

Ah! now her cheek glows 
With the tint of the rose, 
And her healthful blood flows 

Just as fresh as the stream; 
And nor eye flashes bright, 
And her footstep is light, 
And sickness and blight 

Fled away like a dream. 

And soon by his side 
She kneels a sweet bride, 
In maidenly pride 

And maidenly fears; 
And their children were fair: 
And their home knew no care. 
Save that all homesteads were 

Not as happy as theirs. 

THE HARP THAT ONCE. 

The harp that once through Tara's halls 

The soul of music shed, 
Now hangs as mute on Tara's walls, 

As if that soul was fled. 
So sleeps the pride of former days, 
To glory's thrill is o'er, 

hearts that once beat high for praise, 
v feel that pulse no more. 

No more to chiefs and ladies bright 

The harp of Tara swells. 
The chord alone that bleaks at night 
ale of ruin tells. 

loin now so sold, >ni wakes. 
The only throb she gives 
Is when some heart indignant breaks, 
To show that still she lives. 



PAT OF MULLINGAR. 

Tih:y may talk of Flying Childers, and the speed of Uarkaway, 
Till the fancy it bewilders, as you list to what thej say; 
But for real bone and beauty, though to travel far and near, 
The fastest mare you'll find belongs to Pat of Mullingar. 



She can trot along, jog along, drag a jaunting car, 

No day's so long, when set along with Pat of Mullingar. 

She was bred in Connemara, and brought up at Castlemaine, 
She won cups at the Curragh, the finest haste on all the plain; 
All countries and conveyances she has been buckled to, 
She lost an eye at Limerick and an ear at Waterloo. — Chorus. 

If a friend you wish to find, sir, I'll go wherever you want, 
I'll drive you out of your mind, sir, or a little way beyont ; 
Like an arrow through the air if you 11 step upon the car, 
You'll ride behind the little mare of Pat of Mullingar. — Chobus. 

To Dallymount or Kingston, if the place you wish to see, 

I'll drive you to the strawberry beds, it's all the same to me; 

To Donnybrook, whose ancient air is famed for love or war, 

Or, if you have the time to spare, we'll go to Mullingar. — Chobus. 

When on the road we're going, the other carmen try 
(Without the darling knowing), to pass her on the sly; 
Her one ear points up to the sky, she tucks her haunches in, 
Then shows the lads how she can fly as I sit still and grin. — 

t'HORUS. 

Then should yez want a ear, sirs, I hope you'll not forget 
Poor Pat of Mullingar, sirs, and his darlin' little pet; 
She's gentle as the dove, sirs, her speed you can't deny, 
And there's no blind side about her, tho' she hasn't got an eye. — j 
Chorus. t 

THE GREEN LINNET. 

Curiosity bore a young native of Erin 

To view the gay banks of the Rhine, 
When an Empress he saw, and the robe she was wearing 
All over with diamonds did shine; 
A goddess in splendor was never yet seen 
To equal this ("air one so mild and serene, 
In soft murmurs she says: My sweet linnet so green. 

Are you gone — will I never see you more? 

The cold, lofty Alps you freely went over, 

Which nature had placed in your way. 
That Marengo Saloney around you did hover. 

And Paris did rejoice the next day; 
It grieves me the hardships you did undergo, 
Over mountains you traveled all covered with snow. 
The balance of power your courage laid low, 
Are you gone — will I never Bee you more? 

Tho crowned heads of Europe, when you were in splendoi 

Pain would they have you submit, 
Put the Goddess of Freedom soon lid them surrender. 

Ami lowered the standard to your wit: 
Old Frederick's colors in Franco you did bring, 
Yet his offspring found shelter under your will 
That year in Virginia you sweetly did sin:. 

Are you gone- -will I never see you inon 

Thai numbers of men are eager to slay you. 

Their malice you viewed with a smile. 
Their gold through all Europe they sowed to betray you. 

And they joined the Mamelukes on the Nile. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



1] 



Like ravens for blood their vile passion did burn, 
The orphans they slew and caused the widow to mourn ; 
They say ray linnet's gone and ne'er will return, 
Is he gone — will I never see him more? 

When the trumpet of war the grand blast was sounding, 

You mai-ched to the north with good will, 
To relieve the poor slaves in their vile sack clothing 

You used your exertion and skill; 
You spread out the wings of your envied train 
While tyrants great Csesar's old nest set in flame, 
Their own subjects they caused to eat herbs on the plains, 

Are you gone — will I never see you more ? 

In great Waterloo, where numbers laid sprawling 

In every field, high or low, 
Fame on her trumpets true Frenchmen were calling, 

Fresh laurels to place on her brow; 
Usurper did tremble to hear the loud call, 
The third old Babe's new buildings did fall, 
The Spaniards their fleet in the harbor did call, 

Are you gone — I will never see you more. 

I'll roam thro' the deserts of wild Abyssinia, 

And yet find no cure for my pain ; 
Will I go and inquire in the isle of St. Helena? 

No, we will whisper in vain. 
Tell me, you critics, now tell me in time, 
The nation I will range my sweet linnet to find, 
Was he slain at Waterloo, on Elba, on the Rhine? 

If he was — I will never see him more. 

THE STAR OF GLENGARY. 

The red moon is up o'er the moss-covered mountain, 

The hour is at hand when I promised to rove 
With the turf-cutter's daughter, by Logan's bright water, 

And tell her how truly her Donald tan love! 
I ken there's the miller, with plenty o' siller, 

Would fain win a glance, from her beautiful e'e — 
She's my ain bonny Mary, the star of Glengary, 

Keeps all her soft smiles and sweet kisses for me — 
She's my ain bonny Mary, the star of Glengary, 

Keeps all her soft smiles and sweet kisses for me. 

Tis long since we trod o'er the highlands together, 

Two frolicsome bairns, gaily starting the deer; 
When I called her my wee wife, my ain bonny wee wife, 

And ne'er was sic joys as when Mary was there; 
For she is a blossom I wear in my bosom, 

A blossom I cherish and wear till I dee — 
She's my ain bonny Mary, the star of Glengary, 

She is health, she is wealth, and a gude wife to me — 
She's my ain bonny Mary, the star of Glengary, 

She is health, she is wealth, and a gude wife to me. 

MARY LE MORE. 

As I strayed o'er the common on Cork's rugged border, 

While the dewdrops of morn the sweet primrose arrayed; 

1 saw a poor female, whose mental disorder, 

Her quick glancing eye and wild aspect, betrayed. 

On the sward she reclined, by the green fern surrounded, 

At her side speckled daisies and wild flowers abounded; 

To its inmost recesses, her heart had been wounded, 
Her sighs were unceasing — 'twas Mary Le More. 

Her charms by the keen blasts of sorrow were faded, 
Yet the soft tinge of beauty still played on her cheek; 

Her tresses a wreath of primroses braided, 

And strings of fresh daisies hung loose on her neck. 



THE CROrPY BOY. 



" Good men and true ! in this house wk© 

dwell, 
To a stranger bouchal, I pray you tell 
Is the Priest at home? or may he be seen? 
1 would speak a word with Father Green." 



" The Priest's at home, boy, and may be 

seen; 
'Tis easy speaking with Father Green; 
But you must wait till 1 go and see 
If the holy father alone may be." 

The youth has entered an empty hall — 
What a lonely sound has his light footfall! 
And the gloomy chamber's chill and bare, 
With a vested Priest in a lonely chair. 



The youth has knelt to tell his sins: 
"Nomine Dei," the youth begins; 
At " mea culpa '■' he beats his breast, 
And in broken murmurs he speaks the rest. 



" At the siege of Ross did my father fall, 
And at Gorey my loving brothers all ; 
I alone am left of my name and race, 
I will go to Wexford and take their place. 



" I cursed three times since last Easter 

day — 
At mass-time once I went to play ; 
I passed the churchyard one day in haste, 
And forgot to pray for my mother's rest. 



" I bear no hate against living thing ; 
But I love my country above my King. 
Now, Father ! bless me and let me go 
To die, if God has ordained it so." 



The Priest said nought, but a rustling noise 
Made the youth look up in wild surprise; 
The robes were off, and in scarlet there 
Sat a yeoman captain with fiery glare. 



With fiery glare and with fury hoarse, 
Instead of blessing he breathed a curse — 
" 'Twas a good thought, boy, to come here 

and shrive. 
For one short hour is your time to live. 



" Upon yon river three tenders float, 
The Priest's in one if he isn't shot — 
We hold his house for our Lord the Kin;. 
And, amen say I. may all traitors swing! " 



At Geneva Barrack that young man died, 
And at Passae they have his body laid 
Good people who live in peace and joy. 
Breathe a prayer and a tear for the t'roppv 
Boy. 



12 



SONUS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



AMRY LA MORE— CoHfi'nued. 

While with pity I gazed, she exclaimed: "<), my mother! 
See the blood on the lush! 'tis the blood of my brother — 
They have torn his poor flesh! and they now Btrip another — 
Tie Connor — the friend of poor Mary Le More." 

Though his locks were as white as the foam on the ocean, 
Those wretches shall lind that my father is brave; 

My lather! she cried, with the wildest emotion, 
Ah, no! my poor father now sleeps in the grave. 

They have tolled his death bell, they've laid the turf o'er him, 

His white locks were bloody, no aid could restore him; 

He is gone! he is gone! and the good will deplore him, 
When the blue waves of Erin hide Mary Le More. 

A lark, from the gold blossomed furze that grew near her, 

Now rose and with energy caroled his lay; 
"Hush! hush! " she continued. " the trumpet rounds clearer, 

The horsemen approach! Erin's daughters away! 
Ah! soldiers, 'twas foul, while the cabin was burning, 
And o'er a pale father a wretch had been mourning — 
Go hide with the seamew, ye maids, and take warning, 

Those ruffians have ruined poor Mary Le More. 

" Away ! bring the ointment — O God ! see the gashes ! 

Alas ! my poor brother, come dry my big tear ! 
Anon we'll have vengeance for those dreadful lashes, 

Already the sereeehowl and raven appear. 
By day the green grave that lies under the willow, 
With wild flowers I'll strew, and by night make my pillow, 
Till the ooze and dark seaweed beneath the curled billow 

Shall furnish a death bed for Mary Le More." 

Thus raved the poor maniac, in tones more heart-rending, 

Than sanity's voice ever poured on my ear, 
When lo! on the waste, and on the march towards her bending, 

A troop of fierce cavalry, chanced to appear. 
"Oli! the fiends! " she exclaimed, and with wild horror started, 
Then through the tall fern, loudly screaming, she darted; 
With an overcharged bosom I slowly departed, 

And sighed for the wrongs of poor Mary Le More. 

ST. PATRICK'S MARTYRS. 

I WONDKU what the mischief was in her. for the mistress was 

nivcr countrairy, 
But this same is just what she said to me, just as sure as me 

name it is Mary : 
" Mary," says she, all a-smiling and swate-like, " the young ladies 

are coming from France, 
And we'll give them a welcome next Monday, with an illegant 

supper and dance." 

"Is it Monday ye're maning?" says I; "ma'am, why, thin I'm 

sorry to stand in yer way, 
But it's little of work I'll do Monday, seeing that Monday's St. 

Patrick's Day; 
And sure it's incself that promised to go wid Cousin Kitty 

Malone's brother Dan, 
And bad luck to Mary Magee," says I, ' if she disappoints such 

a swate young man! " 

"Me children hev been away four years" — and she spoke in a 
very unfeelin' way — 
Ve (.in. it expect I shall disappoint them either for you or St. 
Patrick's Day; 
1 know nothing about St. Patrick." "That's true for vc. ma'am, 
more's the pity." says T. 
I it's niver the likes of Ve has the luck to be born under tile 
Irish sky." 



KITTY TYRRELL 

You RE looking as fresh as the morn, dar- 
ling, 

\ou're looking as bright as the day; 
But while on your charm.-, I'm dilating. 

You're stealing my poor heart away. 
But keep it and welcome, ma\ourncen, 

Its loss I'm not going to mourn; 
Yet one heart's enough for a body, 

So, pray, give me yours in return; 
Mavourneen, mavourneen, 

O, pray, give me yours in return. 

I've built me a neat little cot, darling, 

['ve pigs and potatoes in store; 
I've twenty good pounds in the bank, love, 

And may be a pound or two more. 
It's all very wr'l to have riches. 

Hut I'm such a covetous elf, 
1 can't help still sighing for something, 

And. darling, that something's yourself; 
Mavourneen, mavourneen, 

And that something, vou know, is your- 
self. 

You're smiling, and that's a good sign, dar- 
ling, 

Say "yes," and you'll never repent; 
Or if you would rather be silent 

Your silence I'll take for consent. 
Thai good-natured dimple's a tell-tale, 

Now all that I have is your own; 
This week you may be Kitty Tyrrell, 

Next week you'll be Mistress Malone; 
Mavourneen, mavoumi 

You'll be my own Mistress Malone. 

LIMERICK IS BKALTIFUL. 

Limebick is beautiful, 

As everybody knows; 
Tlr> river Shannon, full of fish, 

Through that city flows. 
But' tis not the river or the fish 

That weighs upon my mind; 
Nor with the town of Limerick 

I've any fault to find. — Ochone, ochone. 

i il I love is beautiful 

And soft-eyed as the fawn ; 
Sh« lives in ( tarryowen, 

And is called the Colleen Rawn. 
And proudly as that river (lows 

Through that famed city. 
As proudly, and without a* word, 

That Colleen goes by me. — Ochone, ochone. 

If I was made the Emperor 
Of Russia to command, 

Or Julius Cesar, or the 

L>rd Lieutenant of the land, 
I'd give my plate and golden store, 

I'd give up my army ; 
The horses. 1 he rifles, and the foot. 

And the Royal Artillery.— Ochone, ochonfa. 
I'd give the crown from off my head 

My people on their knees; 
I'd give the lleef of sailing ships 

Upon the briny seas. 
A beggar I would go to bed. 

And happy rise at dawn ; 
If In my side, for my sweel bride. 

I had found my Colic n Bawn.— Ochone, 

0< :. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



13 



ST. PATRICK'S MARTYRS. Continued. 
Ye see, I was gitting past jokin'— and she sitting there, so aisy 

and proud, 
And me thinking of the Third Avenue, and the procession and 

music and crowd; 
And it crossed me mind that minit consarning Thady Mulligans 

supper and dance; 
Says I, '• It's not Mary Magee, ma'am, that can stay tor the 

ladies coming from France." 

" Mary," says she, " two afternoons each week— ivery Wednesday 

and ivery Monday — 
Ye've always had, besides yer early Mass, and yer Vispers ivery 

other Sundav, 
And yer friends have visited at me house, two or three ot than 

ivery night." 
" Indade thin," says I. " That was nothin' at all but ivery dacent 

girl's right ! " 

" Very well, thin," says she, " ye can lave the house and be sure to 

take wid ye yer ' right ' ; 
And if Michael and Nora think just as ye do, ye can all of ye 

lave to-night." 
So just for St. Patrick's glory we wint; and, as sure as Mary 

Magee is me name. 
It's a house full of nagurs she's got now, which the same is a sin 

and a shame. 

Bad luck to them all ! A poor body, I think, had need of a com- 

ferable glass ; 
It's a miserable time in Ameriky for a dacent Irish-born lass. 
If she sarves the saints,, and is kind to her friends, then she loses 

her home and her pay, 
And there's thousands of innocent martyrs like me on ivery St, 

Patrick's Day. 

THE SPRIG OF SHILLELAH. 

Ocu, love is the soul of a nate Irishman, 

He loves all the lovely, loves all that he can, 

With your sprig of shillelah and shamrock so green? " 
His heart is good-humor'd, 'tis honest and sound, 
No malice or hatred is there to be found. 
He courts and marries, he drinks and he rights, 
For love, all for love, for in that he delights, 

With his sprig of shillelah and shamrock so green. 

Who has e'er had the luck to see Donnybrook fair, 
An Irishman all in his glory is there, 

With his sprig of shillelah and shamrock so green ; 
His clothes spick and span, new without o'er a speck, 
A neat Barcelona tied 'round his white neck, 
He goes to a tent and he spends half a crown, 
He meets with a friend, and for love knocks him down 

With his sprig of shillelah and shamrock so green. 

At evening returning, as homeward he goes, 

His heart light with whisky, his head soft with blows 

From a sprig of shillelah and shamrock so green. 
He meets with his Shelah, who, blushing a smile, 
Cries: "Get you gone, Pat! " yet consents all the while; 
To the priest then they go, and nine months after that 
A fine baby cries out: " How d'ye do, father Pat, 

With your sprig of shillelah and shamrock so green." 

Bless the country, say I, that gave Patrick his birth, 
Bless the land of the oak and its neighboring earth, 

Where grows the shillelah and shamrock so green; 
May the sons of the Thames, the Tweed, and the Shannon, 
Drub the foes who dare plant on our confines a cannon; 
United and happy at loyalty's shrine, 
May the rose, leek, and thistle long flourish and twine 

Round a sprig of shillelah and shamrock so green. 



SAVOURNEEN DEELISH. 

All! the moment was sad when my love 
and I parted — 
Savourneen deelish eileen og; 
As 1 kissed oil' her tears, I was nigk 
broken-hearted ! 
Savourneen dedish eileen og. 
Wan was her cheek, which hung on my 

shoulder, 
Damp was her hand, no marble was colder, 
1 felt that again I should never behold her, 
Savourneen deelish eileen og. 

When the word of command put our men 
into motion, 
Savourneen deelish eileen og; 
I buckled on my knapsack to cross the wide 
ocean, 
Savourneen deelish eileen og. 
Brisk were our troops, all roaring like 

thunder, 
Pleased with the voyage, impatient for 

plunder; 
My bosom with grief was almost torn asun- 
der, 
Savourneen deelish eileen og. 

Long I fought for my country, far, far from 
my true love, 
Savourneen deelish eileen og; 
All my pay and my booty I hoarded for you, 
love, 
Savourneen deelish eileen og. 
Peace was proclaimed, escaped from the 

slaughter, 
Landed at home, my sweet girl, I sought 

her; 
But sorrow, alas! to the cold grave had 
brought her, 
Savourneen deelish eileen og. 



ACUSHLA GAL MACHREE. 

The long, long wished-for hour has come, 

But come, asthore, in vain. 
And left thee but the wailing hum 

Of sorrow and of pain; 
My light of life, my only love, 

Thy portion sure must be 
Man's scorn below, God's wrath above — 

Acushla gal machree. 

'Twas told of thee the world around, 

Was hoped for thee by all, 
That with one frallant sunward bound 

Thou'd burst long ages' thrall; 
Thy fate was tried, alas ! and those 

Who periled all for thee 
Were cursed and branded as thy foes, 

Acushla gal machree. 

What fate is thine, unhappy isle, 

That e'en the trusted tew 
Should pay thee back with fraud and guile 

When most they should be true? 
'Twas not thy strength or courage failed 

Nor those whose souls were free ; 
By moral force wert thou betrayed, 

Acushla gal machree. 



14 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



ACUSHLA GAL MACHREE-Conftnu«d. 
Tto given thee my youth and prime, 

And manhoods waning years; 
I've blest thee in thy sunniest time, 

And shed for thee my tears; 
And mother, tho' thou'st cast away 

The child who'd die for thee, 
My fondest wish is still to pray — 

For Cushla gal maehree. 

I've tracked for thee the mountain sides 

And slept within the brake, 
More lonely than the swan that glides 

On Lua's fairy lake; 
The rich have spurned me from their door 

Because I'd set thee free, 
Yet do I love thee more and more — 

Acushla gal maehree. 

OH, MOLLY, I CAN'T SAY YOU'RE 
HONEST. 

On, Molly, I can't say you're honest, 

You've stolen my heart from my breast; 
I feel like a bird that's astonished 

When young vagabones rob its nest. 
My brightest of sunshine at night is, 

"lis just between midnight and dawn, 
For then, Molly dear, my delight is 
To sing you my little cronawn — 
Weirasthru 1 
Phillilewi 
But I'm kilt — 
May the quilt 
Lie light on your beautiful form 
When the weather is hot, 
But, my love, when 'tis not, 
May it rov.i you up cosey and warm! 

Now, it you are sleepin', dear Molly, 
Oh, don't let me waken you, dear; 
Some tindher memorial I'll lave you, 

To just let you know 1 was here. 
So I'll throw a big stone at the windy, 

And if any glass I should brake, 
Tis for love all the panes I am takin' — 
What wouldn't I smash for your sake? 
Weirasthru! 
Phillilew! 
But I'm kilt- 
May the quilt 
Lie light on your beautiful form 
When the weather is hot, 
But, my love, when 'tis not, 
May it rowl you up cosey and warm! 

I know that your father is stingy, 

And likewise your mother the same; 
'Tis very small change that you'll bring me, 

Exceptin' the change o' your name; 
So be quick with the change, dearest Molly, 

lie the same more or less as it may, 
And my own name, my darlin', I'll give you 
The minnit that you name the day! 
Weirasthru ! 
Phillilew! 
But I'm kilt — 
May the quilt 
Lio light on your beautiful form 
When the weather is hot, 
But, my love, when 'tis not, 
May it rowl you up cosey and warm! 



TKDDY O'NEAL. 

I dbeamt but last night, oh ! bad cess to the dreaming, 

Sure I'd die if 1 thought 'twould come truly to pass; 
I dreamt, while the tears down my pillow were streaming, 

That Teddy was courting another fair la 
Oh! didn't 1 wake with a weeping and wailing, 

The grief of the thought was too much to conceal ; 
My mother cried, Norah, child, what is your ailing! 

"But all I could utter was Teddy O'Neal— 
My mother cried, Norah, child, what is your ailing? 

But all I could utter was Teddy O'Neal. 

I went to the cabin he dane'd his wild jigs in, 

As neat a mud palace as ever w-as seen ; 
Considering it served to keep poultry and pigs in, 

I'm sure you'll allow 'twas most decent and clean; 
But now all around it looks cold, sad, and dreary, 

All sad, and all silent, no piper, no leelj 
Not even the sun through the casement shines cheery, 

Since I lost the dear darling boy, Teddy O'Neal — 
Not even the sun through the casement shines cheery, 

Since I losi the dear darling boy, Teddy O'Neal. 

Shall I ever forget when the big ship was ready, 

And the moment was come for my love to depart ; 
How I sobbed like a spalpeen, good-by to you, Teddy, 

With a tear on my cheek, and a stone on my heart? 
He said 'twas to better his fortune he wander'd. 

But what would be gold to the joy I should feel 
If he'd only come back to me, honest and loving, 

Still poor, yet my own darling Teddy O'Neil — 
If he'd only come back to me, honest and loving, 

Still poor, yet my own darling Teddy O'Neal. 

NELL FLAHERTY'S DRAKE. 

My name it is Nell, right candid I tell, 

And I live near a cool hill I never will deny, 
I had a large drake, the truth for to spake, 

My grandfather left me when going to die; 
He was merry and sound, and would weigh twenty pound, 

The universe round would I rove for his sake. 
Bad luck to the robber, be he drunken or sober, 

That murdered Nell Flaherty's beautiful drake. 

His neck it was green, and rare to be seen. 

He was fit for a queen of the highest degree. 
His body so white, it would you delight, 

He was fat, plump, and heavy, and brisk as a bee. 
This dear little fellow, his legs they were yellow, 

He could Hy like a swallow, or swim like a hake, 
But some wicked habbage, to grease kis white cabbage, 

Has murdered Nell Flaherty's drake! 

May his pig never grunt, may his cat never hunt, 

That a ghost may him haunt in the dark of the night. 
May his hens never lay, may his horse never neigh, 

May his goat fly away like an old paper kite; 
May his duck never quack, may his goose be turned black 

And pull down his stack with her long yellow beak. 
May the scurvy and itch never part from the briteh 

Of the wretch that murdered Nell Flaherty's drake! 

May his rooster ne'er crow, may his bellows not blow, 

Nor potatoes to grow — may lie never have none — 
May his cradle not rock, may his chest have no lock, 

May his wife have no frock for to shade her backbone. 
That the bugs and the fleas may this wicked wretch tease, 

And a piercing north breeze make him tremble and shake. 
May a four years' old bug build a nest in the lug 

Of the monster that murdered Neil Flaherty's drake. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



NELL FLAHERTY'S DRAKE.— Con tinned. 
May hia pipe never smoke, may his teapot be broke, 

And to add to the joke may his kettle not boil ; 
May he be poorly fed till the hour he is dead. 

May tie always be fed on lobscouse and lish oil. 
May he swell with the gout till his grinders fall out, 

May lie roar, howl, and shout with a horrid toothache, 
May his temple wear horns and his toes corns, 

The wretch that murdered Nell Flaherty's drake. 

May his dog yelp and howl with both hunger and cold, 

May his wife always scold till his brains go astray. 
May the curse of each hag, that ever carried a bag, 

Light down on the wag till his head it turns gray. 
May monkeys still bite him, and mad dogs affright him, 

And every one slight him, asleep or awake. 
May wasps ever gnaw him, and jackdaws ever claw him, 

The monster that murdered Nell Flaherty's drake. 

But the only good news I have to diffuse, 

Is of Peter Hughs and Paddy McCade, 
And crooked Ned Manson, and big-nosed Bob Hanson, 

Each one had a grandson of my beautiful drake. 
Oh ! my bird he has dozens of nephews and cousins, 

And one I must have, or my heart it will break. 
To keep my mind easy, or else I'll run crazy, 

And so ends the song of my beautiful drake. 

THE IRISH GIRL. 

One evening, as I strayed down the river's side, 

Looking all around me an Irish girl I spied : 

So red and rosy were her cheeks, and yellow was her hair, 

And costly were the robes which my Irish girl did wear. 

Her shoes of Spanish leather were bound round with spangles gay, 

The tears came down her crystal eyes, and she began to say: 

Ochone, and alas! asthore areen machree, 

Why should you go and leave me, and slight your own Molly? 

The first time that I saw my love, I was sick and very bad, 
All the request I asked was that she might tie my head; 
I asked her if one as bad as me could ever mend again, 
For love's a sore disorder — did you ever feel the pain? 
My love she'll not come nigh me for all the moan I make, 
Nor neither will she pity me if my poor heart should break; 
But was I of some noble blood and she of low degree, 
She would hear my lamentation and come and pity me. 

My only love is fairer than the lilies that do grow, 

She has a voice that's clearer than any winds that blow; 

She's the promise of this country, like Venus in the air, 

And let her go where'er she will, she's my joy and only dear. 

Be it so, or be it not, of her I take my chance, 

The first time that I saw my love she struck me in a trance; 

Her ruby lips and sparkling eyes have so bewitched me, 

That were I king of Ireland, queen of It she should be. 

THE LAKES OF COLD FINN. 

It was early one morning young William had rose, 
Straightway to his comrades' bed-chamber he goes, 
Saying: Comrades, royal comrades, let nobody know, 
For it's a fine morning and a-bathing we'll go. 

So they walked right along till they came to Long Lane, 
And the first that they met was the keeper of the game; 
He advisea them for sorrow to turn back a^ain, 
For their doom was to die on a watery main. 

So young William stepped oft" and swam the lake 'round, 
He swam 'round the island, but not the right ground, 
Saying: Comrades, royal comrades, don't you venture in, 
For there's depth in false water, in the lakes of Cold Finn. 



THE TIPPERARY ( I1RISTENING. 

It was down in that place, Tipperary, 
Where they're so airy, and bo contrary, 
Where they kick up the devil's figarie, 

When they christened the beautiful boy. 
In comes the piper, sot thinking, 
And a-winking, and a-blinking, 
And a noggin of punch he was drinking, 

And wishing the parents great joy. 



When home from the church they came, 
Father Tom and old Mikey Branigan, 

And scores of as pretty boys and girls 
As ever you'd wish for to see; 

When in through the door, 

llogan, the tinker, Lather and Lanagan, 

Kicked up a row, and wanted to know, 
Why they wasn't asked to the spice. 



Then the boy set up such a-bawling, 
And such a-squalling, and caterwauling, 
For he got such a mauling, 

Oh, that was the day of great joy. 
Then the piper set up such a-moamng, 
And such a-droning, and such a-cronipg, 
In the corner his comether was turning, 

When they christened sweet Dennis, the 
boy. 



The aristocracy came to the party, 
There was McCarty, lisrht and hearty, 
With Florence Berdelia Fogarty, 

Who said that was French for a name; 
Dionysius Alphonso Mulrooney, 
Oh, so spooney and so looney, 
With the charming Evangeline Mooney, 

Of society she was the cream. 



Cora Teresa Maud McCann, 

Angelina Rocke, and Julia McCafl'erty, 

Rignold Mormon Duke, Morris McGan, 

And Clarence Ignatius McGurk; 
Cornelius Horatio Flaherty's wife, 
Adolphus Grace, and Dr. O'Rafferty, 
Eva McLaughlin, and Cora Muldoon, 

And Brigadier-General Burke; 



They were dancing the polka-mazurka, 
'Twas a worker, not a shirker, 
And a voice of Vienna, la Turker, 

And the polka-redowa divine; 
After dancing, they went in to lunching, 
Oh, such munching, and such crunching, 
Thev were busy as bees at a lunching, 

With their coffee, tea, whisky, and wine. 



They had all kinds of tea, they had Sho- 

song, 
They had Ningnong, and Drinkdong, 
With Oolong, and Boolong, and Toolong, 

And teas that were made in Japan ; 
They had sweetmeats, imported from Java, 
And from Youver and from Havre, 
In the fpur-masted steamer " Manarver," 



16 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF 1KH1.A 



THE LAKES OF COLD FINN.— Cont, 
'Twas next morning, next morning, when his .sister had arose, 
She straightway to tier mother's bed el amber she did go, 
Saying: Mother, dear mother, I had a sad dream, 
That young William was floating on a watery stream. 

It was early one morning when his mother went there. 
She had rings on every ringer and was tearing her hair, 
Crying: Murder! oh, murder! was there nobody by 
That would venture their life for my line darling boy? 

So it was early one morning when his uncle went there, 

He rode 'round the island like one in despair, 

Saying: Where was he drowned, or did he fall in? 

For tiiere's depth in false water, in the lakes of Cold Finn. 

JOHNNY DOl l.l •:. 

I am a fair maiden, all tangled in love. 

My case I will make known to the great God above; 

1 thought it a credit, yet I fear it a crime 

For to roam the world all over for you, Johnny Doyle. 

It was Saturday evening we made up the plan, 
It was early Monday morning to take a trip along: 
My waiting maid was standing by, as you can plainly see, 
She slipped in unto my mamma, and told upon me. 

My mamma she conducted me into the bedroom high, 
Where she knew no one could hear me. nor pity my cry; 
She bundled up my clothes, and she bid me be gone, 
For she knew well, in her heart, that I loved that young man. 

A horse and side-saddle my father did provide. 

In hopes to get me married, and be young Somers' bride; 

A horse and side-saddle my father did prepare, 

With six noble footmen to wait on me there. 

So we rode all along till we came to Belfast town, 
Our horses being stabled and footmen seated down; 
While they were at their merriment, 1 had my own toil, 
For my heart it lies at home v\ ith my young Johnny Doyle. 

By the eldest brother 1 was conducted home, 
My mamma she conducted me into my own bedroom ; 
My own bed being the softest, my head I did lie down, 
For to seek consoling sorrow — my body it was found. 

Now close the door, dear mamma, don't you let Somers in, 
Now close the door, dear mamma, don't you let Somers in; 
For to-night is the night that lie means to enstrive, 
But he'll never gain the girl that is intended for his bride. 

When she saw the minister coming in the door, 
Her earrings they bursted and fell upon the floor; 
The gold ring on her finger in a hundred pieces did fly. 
And her stomach it bursted. and death was drawing nigh. 

I will send for Johnny Doyle for you, my own darling child, 
1 will send for Johnny Doyle for you. my own heart's delight, 
Yes, you'll send for Johnny Doyle, mamma, but I fear it is too 

late, 
For death it is coming, and sad is my fate. 

Now, death, you are coming, you are welcome to me, 

H'roin the pains of love I'm sure you'll set me free; 

There is more trouble on my mind than my poor tongue can tell, 

And these are my dying words: Johnny Doyle, fare you well! 



THE TUTKUARY CHRISTENING.— Ctmfmu«i. 

That sails from beyond llindoostan." 
Cold ice-cream, and cream that was hot, 
Romeo punch, snowball, and span grass 
Pattj 1). Foy, whatever that means, 

.Made out of goose-liver and grease; 
Red-headed duck, salmon, and | 
Bandy-legged frogs, Peruvian ostriches, 
Bottled noix. woodcock, and snipe, 

And everything that would please. 



After dinner, of course, there was speaking, 

And hand-shaking, and leave-taking, 

In the corners, old mothers match making, 

And other such innocent sins: 
Then they bid a good -by to each other. 
To each mother, and each brother: 
When the last rose, I thought i would 

smother. 
When they wished the next would be 

twins. 



THE WIDOW'S MESSAGE TO HER SON. 

" Remember, Denis, all I bade you say ; 
Tell him we're well and happy, thank 
the Lord, 
But of our troubles, since he went away, 
You'll mind, avick, and never say a 
word; 
Of cares and troubles, sure, we've all 

our share. 
The finest summer isn't always fair. 

" Tell him the spotted heifer calved in May. 
She died, poor thing; but that you needn t 
mind; 
Nor how the constant rain destroyed the 
hay; 
But tell him God to us was ever kind. 
And when the fever spread the country 
o'er. 
His mercy kept the ' sickness ' from our 
door. 

" Be sure you tell him how the neighbors 
came 
And cut the corn and stored it in the 
barn; 
Twould be as well to mention them by 
name — 
Pat Murphy, Ned M'Cabe, and J: 
M'Carn." 
And big Tim Daly from behind the hill : 
But sav, agra — Oh. say I missed him 
still. 

" They caine with ready hands our toil tu 
share — 
'Twas then I missed him most — my own 
right hand: 
I felt, although kind hearts were 'round me 
there, 
The kindest heart beat in a foreign land. 
Strong hand! brave heart! oh, severed 

far from me, 
By many a weary league of shore and 
sea. 



THE WIDOWS MESSAGE TO HER SON.- 

Continued. 

« An d toll him she was with us-he'll know 

Mavoun.e.n. hasn't she^wlnson^eyes. 
The darkest, deepest, brightest, 

I eveTsaw except in summer skies 
And such black hair! It is 

JS1H Sfp« »'« »« k s ° '"'" 

-Ml him old Hncher WW-^ a day. 

And moped, poor dog, twas wen u 

CrouclS'by the road-side how he watched 

And'snifl^'the travelers as they passed 

BW? raCor sunshine, sure, 'twas all 

H?5Sa for the foot that never 

came. 

«Tell him the house is lonesome-like and 
■Bato? itself seems robbed of half its 

For^l'that tell him 'twas my self that 

ThJXrts you bring, and stitched them 
every one. 

"Give him my blessing, morning, noon, and 

Telltfmmy prayers are offered for his 

Trie^o his name, his country, and his 

Fatthful at home, and steadfast still 
abroad." 



KATE KEARNEY. 



on' did you ne'er hear of Kate Kearney? 

she lives on the banks of Killarney ; 

From the glance of her eye shun danger and 

For Sal's the glance of Kate Kearney; 
Fnr that eve is so modestly beaming, 
Sune'r think of mischief she's dreaming, 
Yet oh' I can tell, how fatal's the spell, 

That lurks in the eye of Kate Kearney. 

Oh' should vou e'er meet this Kate Kearney, 
mo lives on the banks of Killarney, 
Beware of her smile, for many a wile 

Lies hid in the smile of Kate Kearney. 
Though she looks so bewitchingly simple, 
Yet there's mischief in every dimple ; 
And wlio dares inhale her sigh s spicy gale, 

Mult die by the breath of Kate Kearney. 

2 



Concerning your mWJJ ™ „„. ir re bel peon, 

The worth, ... of m»J*j*S •&£££,■ r*?! 

To sustain hi. count r> £"\,' , »il them ou. d 

For each platoon to fo rm, * e ™ * M darlingj never fear, 

In the .earful ho.r -J*^ £ S""^ ""* 
We'll think upon our loves that ^we ™ d ils fear8 

^«elS°» r o t !»So^w^,tn?S i .nvo 1 un.ee re . 

fv , me .„ T e worthy gentle,™. +£Ztf£Z£Z2&Z, 
Be kind onto '''""'^""ous those gallant '«»""'»• 
SWS a^Tn SWSffiW- volunteers. 

FATHER MOLLOY. 

PADDY MCCABE was ^O^^, 

-SSECgissi?.— 

•■' First tell me your sins, u "J -«~ - d ^ ... 

"S^yfS|C™tetSeyeni^% 

So <nve us your blessin' and get in the ^daie. 

To tell all my sins my P««£"» * ^ so quiet- 
And the docther gave ordherB te > 1 «e P me q . 

S worse than not makin' confession a all_ 
£, ril say in a word I'm no > very good ^boy 
And therefore your blessin, sweet ran 

<« Well I'll read from a book," says Father Molloy, 

S" to be throublej my eonseie.ee begr as, 
,„„ vou, Eevere.ee : should k-JWj^ H 



re small, 



'i'V.at vmir Reverence snouiu u»»c ■•".• --- n - 

l3 E t4S"^sK» -ore, 

s„ I'll "iv in a word, I'm no very good b ">- 
fj therYio °e you, Olessin', sweet Father Malloy. 



18 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



FATHER MOLLOY.— Continued. 
" 1 forgive ev'rybody," says Pat, with a groan, 

"Except that big vagabone Micky Malone; 
And him I will murdher if ever I can — " 

"Tut, tut! Bays the priest, "you're a very bad man; 
For without your forgiveness, and also repentance, 
You'll ne'er go to heaven, and that is my sentence." 
"Poo! " says Paddy McCabe, "that's a very bard case — 
With your Reverence and heaven I'm content to make pace; 
-But with heaven and your Reverence I wondher — Och hone — 
You would think of comparin' that blackguard Malone — 
'Rut since I'm hard press'd and that 1 >nust forgive, 
I forgive — if 1 die — but as Bure as I live 
That ugly blackguard I will surely desthroy! — 
So, now for your blessin', sweet Father Molloy! " 

PETTICOAT LANE. 

When to Dublin I came from the sweet County Down, 
1 called on a friend for to show me the town; 
He brought me thro' streets, lanes, and alleys so grand, 
Till my brogues were most wore and I scarcely could stand. 
He showed me fine houses, were built up so high, 
And a man made of stone almost up to the sky, 
Rut the names of them places went out of my brain, 
Show him up to the college in Petticoat Lane! 

Ri tu ral, ru ral, ri tu ral, ru ral le, etc. 

Convenient to Petticoat Lane there is a place, 
And as we walked through it we couldn't get peace; 
The shops were all frill of fine clothes, black and blue, 
But the fellows outside nearly tore me in two. 
One dragged me this way to get a good frieze, 
Another had corduroy breeches my size; 
But one chap bawls out, when I wouldn't remain, 
Show him up to the college in Petticoat aLne! 

We got loose from this spot, myself and my friend, 

I couldn't do less than a teaster to spend ; * 

But we spied boys and girls in a laughable group, 

Sitting cross-legged and they licking up soup. 

Says 1: Are these what you call your poorhouse recruits? 

Ax the divil! says one, and his howl at me shoots; 

They roared with pleasure, while I roared with pain, 

Arrah, Paddy, you're welcome to Petticoat Lane! 

My friend thought to drag me away by the sleeve, 
When a tartar dropped over my head an old sieve; 
I turned for to strike her, but got in the eye 
A plaster of what they called hot mutton pie. 
I kept groping about, like a man that was blind, 
Till I caught hould of somebody coming behind; 
I prayed that I might get the strength of a Cain, 
To be able to whale him in Petticoat Lane. 

I walloped away, and I got walloped, too, 
While all sorts of ructions were raised by the crew; 
You would swear it was raining brick-bats and stones, 
Till I heard my antagoaist giving some groans. 

Run and be d d to you! some one did cry, 

Sure, 1 can't for the mutton that's stuck in my eye; 

J was led through the crowd, and heard somebody saying, 

There's a peeler most killed in Petticoat Lane. 

These words like a thunderbolt fell on my ear, 
So I scooped all the fat from my eye pretty clear; 
My friends tould the crowd that was 'round to be mute. 
While we slipped to a house, called " The sign of the boot,"" 
There I called for a sup, and we both took a seat, 
Two or three that had hacked us came in for a treat: 
When the reckoning was called for, my pockets were clean, 
For pounds, shillings, and pence were in Petticoat Lane.' 



PATER NOSTER. 

Father of all! who reiiin'st supreme, 
Beyond yon blue, o'er-arehing sphere, 

.\-< Thy forever glorious name 
Is hallow'd there, so be it here; 

Grant that our numbered hours may be 
So many hymns of praise to Thee! 

"'Thy kingdom come!" ah, yes, my God! 

That hope is sweet, indeed, to those 
Who, in this co'd world, feel the rod 

Of Jeep affliction, and the throes 
Of pain: blesl are they when the tomb 

Receives them ; " oh, Thy kingdom 
come ! " 

Yet, Father! shouldst Thou deem it right 
To shower on me from year to year 

Those miseries which crush and blight 
Young hope, no murmurs shait Thou hear 

From me, for I will utter none; 

No — then as now — "Thy will be done! " 

" Give us this day our daily bread! " 
That thus our hearts he always free 

From sordid cares: and so be led 

To think more on Thy works and Thee. 

Lord! keep our souls fed constantly 
With Faith, and Hope, and Charity. 

judy Mccarty. 

Come, all my hearty, roving blades, 

Some fun you are expecting, 
And 1 will prove without any noise 

That I am not, neglecting; 
You've heard the song of Biddy McGee, 

And how she coaxed poor Paddy, 
But another one you'll get from me 

About charming Judy MeCarty. 

Whack fal la, etc. 

At Donnybrook fair 1 met her, 

Along with Michael MeCarty, 
He handed her into a scat with care, 

Then soon 1 followed after; 
I asked her up to dance a fig, 

She danced it nate and hearty, 
It wax then with love I felt quite big 

For charming Judy MeCarty. 

Whack fal la, etc. 

I asked her would she be my wife, 

Or, would she be my darling! 
The best of husbands 1 would make. 

And plaze her night and morning; 
She said she would, and glad she was 

I took her from the party, 
That night was spent in devilment 

Hugging Judy MeCarty. 

Whack fal la, etc. 

To go home then we did prepare, 

We jogged il all the wav. sir': 
We slept together that very night, 

Until the break of day, sir: 
Next morning to the priest we went, 

Who tied us neat and hearty. 
That night was spent in devilment 

Hugging Judy MeCarty. 

Whack fal la, etc. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



19 



PETTICOAT LANE.— Continued. 

The reckoning it came to a hog and a groat, 

For which the landlord he took the lend of my coat; 

1 started without, still cursing the town, 

Says he: You have killed C. 100 — 

Arrah, be aisy, sir, 1 want none of your tricks! 

But the sergeant and twenty more swore it was plain 

That I was the bully of Petticoat Lane. 

They all swarmed about me, like flies on a cask, 
But to prison to take me was no easy task; 
W hen I got there I was charged with the crime, 
"Twas my own brother Darby I bate all the time. 
Whin he seen me he let out a thundering curse, 
On the day that he first went to join in the force; 
He released my ould coat and he got me oil' clean, 
To go home and say prayers for sweet Petticoat Lane. 

ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN. 

In the merry month of June, when first from home I started, 
And left the girls alone, sad and broken-hearted, 
Shook hands with father dear, kissed my darling mother, 
Drank a pint of beer, my tears and grief to smother; 
Then off to reap the corn, and leave where I was born. 

I cut a stout black-thorn to banish ghost or goblin: 
With a pair of bran new brogues, I rattled o*er the bogs — 

Sure I frightened all the dogs on the rocky road to Dublin. 

CHORUS. 

For it is the rocky road, here's the road to Dublin; 
Here's the rocky road, now fire away to Dublin ! 

The steam-coach was at hand, the driver said he'd cheap ones, 
But sure the luggage van was too much for my ha'pence, 
For England I was bound, it would never do to balk it, 
For every step of the road, bedad ! says I, I'll walk it. 
I did not sigh or moan until I saw Athlone. 

A pain in my shin bone, it set my heart a-bubbling ; 
And fearing the big cannon, looking o'er the Shannon, 

I very quickly ran on the rocky road to Dublin. 

In Mullingar, that night, I rested limbs so weary, 

Started by daylight, with spirits light and airy; 

Took a drop of the pure, to keep my spirits from sinking. 

That's always an Irishman's cure, whenever he's troubled with 

thinking. 
To see the lassies smile, laughing all the while 

At my comical style, set my heart a-bubbling, 
They axed if I was hired, the wages I required, 

Until I was almost tired of the rocky road to Dublin. 

In Dublin next arrived, I thought it was a pity 
To be so soon deprived of a view of that fine city; 
Twas then I took a stroll, all among the quality, 
My bundle then was stole in a neat locality, 
Something crossed my mind, thinks I, I'll look behind. 

No bundle could I find upon my stick a-wobbling. 
Inquiring for the rogue, they said my Oonnaught brogue, 

It wasn't much in vogue on the rocky road to Dublin. 

A coachman raised his hand as if myself was wanting, 

I went up to a stand, full of cars for jaunting; 

" Step up, my boy! " says he; "Ah, ah! that I will with pleasure," 

" And to the strawberry beds, I'll drive you at your leisure.'' 

" A strawberry bed? " says I, " faith, that would be too high! 

On one of straw I'll lie, and the berries won't be troubling; 
He drove me out as far, upon an outside car. 

Faith! such jolting never wor on the rocky road to Dublin. 



JUDY McCARTY.— Continued. 

Twelve months after we were wed, 

What do you think she brought, sir! 
But a pair of twins as like their Uad, 

As ever soup's like broth, sir. 
And now I'll finish my little song, 

My song so gay and hearty ; 
The Irish boys such devils are 

For getting the young MeCartys. 

Whack fal la, etc. 

DRIMM1N DUEH DIIEELISH. 

Oh, I'm but a poor man, 

And I had but one cow, 
And when I had lost her 

I could not tell how, 
But so white was her Face, 

And so sleek was her tail, 
That 1 thoughl mj poor uriminin dubh 
Never would fail. 

Agus cvo. drimmin dubh 
Oro, a!i. 
Oro, drimmin dubh 
Miel asjra. 



Returning from mass. 

On a morning in May, 
I met my poor drimmin dubh 

Drowning by the way. 
I roared and I brawled, 

And my neighbors did call 
To save my poor drimmin dubh, 

She being my all. 

Ah, neighbor! was this not 

A sorrowful day. 
When I gazed on the water 

Where my drimmin dubh lay? 
With a drone and a drizzen, 

She bade me adieu. 
And the answer I made 

Was a loud pillalu 

Poor drimmin dubh sank, 

And T saw her no more, 
Till I came to an island 

Was close by the shore ; 
And down on that island 

I saw her again. 
Like a bunch of ripe blackberries 

Rolled in the rain. 

Arrah, plague take you, drimmin dubh! 

What made you die, 
Or why did you leave me. 

For what and for why? 
I would rather lose Paudeen, 

My bouchalleen bawn, 
Than part with my drimmin dubh, 

Now that you are gone. 

When drimmin dubh lived, 
And before she was dead, 
She gave me fresh butter 
To eat to my bread. 

And likewise new milk- 
That I soaked with my sco»e, 

But now it's black water 
Since drimmin dubh's gone. 



20 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



ROCKY ROAD TO DUBLIN.— Continued. 

I soon got out of that, my spirits never failing, 

1 landed on the quay, just as the ship was sailing. 

The captain at me roared, swore that no room had he, 

But when I leaped on board, they a cabin found for Paddy. 

Down among the pigs 1 played such rummy rigs, 

Danced some hearty jigs, with water round me bubbling, 
But when off Holyhead, 1 wished that I was dead, 

Or safely put in bed, on the rocky road to Dublin. 



The boys in Liverpool, when on the dock I landed, 
Called myself a fool, I could no longer stand it; 
My blood began to boil, my temper I was losing, 
And poor old Erin's Isle, they all began abusing. 
•■ Eurrah! my boys." says I. my shillelah I let Hy, 

Some Galway boys were by, they saw I was a hobble in; 
Then with a loud hurrah] they joined me in the tray. 

Faugh-a-ballagh ! clear the way for the rocky road to Dublin. 

ONE POUND TWO. 

MAGGIE dear, I come to hear that you've been on a spree, 
Where is my whole week's wages, I pray come tell to me; 
When I come home at night 1 find no smell of drink on you, 
Yet I would like to know how you laid out my one pound two. 

Oh ! Johnny dear, I have it here, penned down in black and white, 
Come, count it now right after me and you will say I'm right : 
You've been told that I've been on a spree, but you'll find it is not 

true, 
For, I will let you know how I laid out your one pound two. 

In the first place, there's one shilling paid for two stone of meal, 
Served four of us around the week — I'm sure it ain't a great deal: 
And four stone of potatoes, for you know no less would do, 
That's three and twopence halfpenny out of your one pound two. 

For two hundred weight of coal three shillings I did pay, 
Fourpenny loaf each morning, and two on the Sabbath day; 
And every morning for the child — it's a baby son, it's true, 
That's seven and eleven pence out of your one pound two. 

Seven pence for sugar, seven pence for tea. 

Seven pence for tobacco, that's one pennyworth each day; 

And one shilling for beef, you know no less would do, 

That's ten and ninepenee halfpenny out of your one pound two. 

Six pence for a pound of ham. and seven pence for a steak, 

And six pence for vegetables it every week does take; 

Four pence for two eggs this day I paid for you, 

'Unit's eleven and eleven pence hapenny out of your one pound two. 

Twenty pence for butter. John — you know it's of the best, 

And four pence more for buttermilk — now add that to the rest; 

oh! Johnny dear, you ask whal with your money I do, 

'I list's (hir)een and ten pence hapenny out of your one pound two. 

There is four shillings for rent that's all we do require, 
And nine pence for sticks for to kindle up the tire; 
And one shillii:.L r for milk, soap, soda, starch, and blue. 
Add that up and you will exactly find your one pound two. 

Maggie dear, your neighbors on you do complain, 
They tell me my whole wages you every day do spend; 
That a virtuous woman is worth gold 1 find it to be true, 
You've exactly counted up my one pound two. 



PADDY CAREY. 



Twas at the town of nate Clogheen 

That Sergeant Snapp met Paddy Carey; 
A claner by was never seen, 

Brisk as a bee, light as a fairy; 
His brawny shoulders, four feet square, 

His cheeks like thumping red potatoes; 
His legs would make a chairman stare, 

And Pat was loved by all the ladies; 
Old and young, grave and e 

Deaf and dumb, dull or mad ; 
Waddling, twaddling, limping, squinting. 

Light, brisk and any. 

( HOBl S. 

All the sweet faces at Limerick races, 

From Nullinavelt to Magherafi 
At Paddy's beautiful name would melt, 

The sow 1 would cry and look so shy. 
Och ! Cushlamachree, did you ever - 

The jolly boy, the darling boy, the ladies' 
toy, 
Nimble footed, black-eyed, rosy-cheeked. 

Curly-headed Paddy CareyT 
Oli, sweet Paddy, beautiful Paddy, 

Xate little, tight little Paddy Carey? 

His heart was made of Irish oak, 

Yet soft as streams from sweet Killarney: 
His tongue was tipped with a bit ot the 
brogue. 

But the deuce a bit at all of the blarney. 
Now Sergeant Snapp, so sly and Keen — 

While Pat was coaxing duck-legged 
Mary — 
A shilling slipped so rate and c'ane, 

By the powers! he listed Paddy Carey; 
Tight and sound, strong and light, 

Cheeks so round, eyes so bright : 
Whistling, humming, drinking, drumming, 

Light, tight, and airy. — CHORUS. 

PAT O'HARA. 
1 AM an [rish boy. and my heart is full of 

joy, 

I owe my health to famous Limerick 
city: 
I can handle well the twig, or Hitter an 
Irish jig, 
Or give you a stave of a native ditty. 
My heart is seldom sad. 1 like to make folks 
glad, 
And the girls' eyes a twinkling like a 
star, oh! 
I'm always at my ease, for my friends I 
love to i. 
I'm the rattling, rowlimr, teasing Pat 
O'Hara. 

CHORUS. 

Hurrah! mv Irish boys, that's fond of fun 
and noise. 
There's not from Dublin down to Conne- 
niara, 
Or from Limerick to Kildare, a boy that can 
compare 
With the rattling, rowling, teasing Pat 
O'Hara. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



21 



PAT (> JIARA.— Continued. 
And on a pattern day my heart is light and 

gay, 

I frisk across the green sod light and 
gaily ; 
I am always up to fun, but was never 
known to run, 
For that would be disgrace to my shilla- 
lah. 
If a colleen, too, you see that's looking after 
me, 
And faix, her name is Kilty McNamara; 
With two eyes as black as sloes, that wher- 
ever 1 may go, 
They are always chasing after Pat 
O'Hara. — Chobtjs. 

I love the emerald sod where in childhood 
lirst I trod, 
With its hills and valleys clothed in 
shamrock green; 
And its colleens sweet and fair, few with 
them can compare, 
For their equal's mighty seldom to be 
seen, sure. 
Tho' the times have changed this while in 
dear ould Erin's isle, 
And many have had to wander near and 
far, oh; 
Arrah! just keep up your heart, you'll find 
that the better part, 
>Tis the style that always pleases Pat 
O'Hara.*— Chorus. 

CORPORAL CASEY. 
When I was at home I was merry and 

frisky, 
My dad kept a pig, and my mother sold 

whisky; 
My uncle was rich, but would never be aisy, 
Till I was enlisted by Corporal Casey. 
Och! rub a dub, row de row, Corporal 

Casey ! 
My dear little Shelah I thought would run 

crazy 
When I trudged away with tough Corporal 

Casey. 

I marched from Kilkenny, and as I was 

thinking 
On Shelah, my heart in my bosom was 

sinking; 
But soon I was forced to look fresh as a 

daisy, 
For fear of a drubbing from Corporal Casey. 
Och! rub a dub, row de row, Corporal 

Casey ! 
The devil go with him! I ne'er could he 

lazy, 
He stuck in my skirts so, old Corporal 

Casey. 

We went into battle, I took the blows fairly, 
That fell on my pate, but they bothered me 

rarely ; 
And who should the first be that dropt? 

why, so please ye. 
It was my good friend, honest Corporal 

Casey. 
Och! rub a dub, row de row, Corporal 

Casey ! 
Thinks I, you are quiet, and I shall be aisy, 
So eight years I fought without Corporal 

Casev. 



IRISH MARY. 

Fab away from Erin's strand, and valleys wide and Bounding 

waters, 
Still she is, in every land, one of Erin's real daughti is; 
Oh, to meet her here is like a dream of home and natal mountains, 
On our hearts their voices strike, we hear the gushing of their 

fountains 
Yes! our Irish Mary dear! our own, our real Irish Mary! 
A flower of home, fresh blooming come, art thou to us, our Irish 

Mary! 

Round about us here we see bright eyes like hers, and .sunny fares 
Charming all! if all were free of foreign airs, of borrowed graces. 
Mary's eye it flashes truth! and Mary's spirit, Mary's nature, 
Irish lady, fresh in youth, have beam'd o'er every look and feature, 
Yes! our Irish Mary dear, when La Tournure doth make us weary, 
We have you to turn unto for native grace, our Irish Mary. 

Sighs of home! her Erin's songs o'er all their songs we love to 

listen ; 
Tears of home! her Erin's wrongs subdue our kindred eyes to 

glisten. 
Oh! should woe to gloom consign the clear fireside of love and 

honor, 
You will see a holier sign of Irish Mary bright upon her! 
Yes, our Irish Mary dear, will light that home, though e'er so 

dreary, 
Shining still o'er clouds of ill, sweet star of life, our Irish Mary! 



THE MEN OF TIPPERARY. 

Let Britain boast her British hosts, about them all right little 

care we ; 
Not British seas nor British coasts can match the man of Tip- 

perary. 

Tall is his form, his heart is warm, his spirit light as any fairy. 
His wrath is fearful as the storm that sweeps the hills of Tip- 
perary. 

Lead him to fight for native land, his is no courage cold and wary, 
The troops live not on earth would stand the headlong charge of 
Tipperary. 

Yet meet him in his cabin rude, or dancing with his dark-haired 

Mary, 
You'd swear they knew no other mood but mirth and love in 

Tipperary. 

You're free to share his scanty meal, his plighted word he'll nev r 
vary ; 

In vain they tried with gold and steel to shake the faith of Tip- 
perary. 

Soft is his cailin's sunny eye, her mien is mild, her step is airy, 
Her heart is fond, her soul is high — oh! she's the pride of Tip- 
perary ! 

Let Britain, too, her banner brag, we'll lift the green more proud 

and airy : 
Be mine the lot to bear that flag and head the men of Tipperary. 

Though Britain boasts her British hosts, about them all right 
little care we : 

Give us, to guard our native coasts, the matchless men of Tip- 
perary ! 



22 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



I'M NOT MYSELF AT ALL. 

On, I'm not myself at all, 

Molly dear, Moily dear, 
I'm not m\ .-^-11 at all. 

Ndthin' earin', nothin' knowin', 

'Tis afther you I'm goin', 

Faith, your shadow 'tis I'm growin", 
-Molly dear, 

And I'm not myself at all! 

Th' other day I went eonfessin', 

And 1 ask'd the father's blessin'; 
" But," says 1. "don't give me one intirely, 

For I fretted so last year 

But the half o' me is here, 
So give the other half to Molly Brierly.' 

Oh! I'm not myself at all! 



Oh, I'm not myself at all, 

Molly dear, Molly dear, 
My appetite's bo small — 

I once could pick a goose ; 

But my buttons is no use, 

Faith, my tightest coat is loose, 
Molly dear, 

And I'm not myself at all ! 

If thus it is I waste, 

\ou'd betther, dear, make haste, 
Before your lover's gone away intirely; 

If you don't soon change your mind, 

Not a bit of me you'll find — 
And what 'ud you think' o' that, Molly 
Brierly 1 — 

(di, I'm not myself at all! 



Oh, my shadow on the wall, 
Molly dear, Molly dear, 
Isn't like myself at all. 

For I've got so very thin, 

Myself says 'tisn't him, 

But that purty girl so slim, 
Molh- dear, 

And I'm not myself at all! 

if thus I smaller grew, 

All fretting, dear, for you, 
'Tis you should make me up the deficiency; 

So just let Father Taatl' 

Make you my betther half, 
And vou will not the worse for the addition 
" be— 

Oh, I'm not myself at all ! 



I'll be not myself at all, 

Molly dear. Molly dear, 
Till you my ou a 1 call ! 

Since a change o'er me there came 

Sure you might change your name — 

And 'twould just come to the same, 
Molly dcai'. 

'Twould just come to the same; 

For it you and I wore one, 

All confusion would 1"- gone, 
And 'twould simplify the matther intirely; 

And 'twould save us so much bother, 

When we'd both !"• one another — 

So listen now to rayson, Molly Brierly; 
Oli, I'm not myself at all! 



ELLEN BAYVN. 

Kllex Bawn — oh, Ellen Bawn, you darling — darling dear, you, 
Sit awhile beside me here, I'll die unless I'm near you! 
lis lor you I'd swim the Suir and breast the Shannon's waters; 
For, Ellen dear, you've not your peer in Galway's blooming 
daughters! 

Had I Limerick's gems and gold at will to mete and measure, 
Wore Loughhrea's abundance mine, and all Portumna's treasure. 
These might lure me, might insure me many and many a new love, 
But oh! no bribe could pay your tribe for one like you, my true 
love ! 

Blessings be on Connaught! that's the place for sport and raking! 
Blessings, too, my love, on you, a-sleeping and a-waking! 
I'd have met you, dearest Ellen, when the sun went under, 
But, woe! the flooding Shannon broke across my path in thunder. 

Ellen! I'd give all the deer in Limerick's parks and arbors, 
Ay, and all the ships that rode last year in Minister's harbors, 
Could I blot from Time the hour I first became your lover, 
For, oh! you've given my heart a wound it never can recover! 

Would to God that in the sod my corpse to-night were lying, 
And the wild birds wheeling o'er it, and the winds a-sighing, 
Since your cruel mother and your kindred chose to sever 
Two hearts that love would blend in one forever and forever! 

BOLD JACK DONAHOE. 

Come all you valiant highwaymen and outlaws of disdain. 
Who've cause to live in slavery and wear the hand and chain; 
Attention pay to what I say and rally if you do, 
While 1 relate the history of bold Jack Donahoe. 

This bold, undaunted highwayman, as you understand he was, 
Banished from his native land, for his natural life: 
In Dublin city of renown, where his first breath he drew. 
The deeds of honor title him brave, valiant Donahoe. 

Young Donahoe wis taken in the middle of his prime. 

Ami was sentenced to he hanged for that out -daring crime; 

The police and constables him they did pursue, 

And before they arrived in Sydney safe, they lost bold Donahone. 

When he effected his escape he took to the highway, 

Where tyrants dare not walk the road by night or by day. 

Every morning in the newspapers then' is something published 

new. 
Concerning of that hero bold, they call Jack Donahoe. 

Be had not been twelve months on the Australian shore, 
Till he turned out on the highway as many done before; 

■ was MeXamara, Andrew Ward. Welch a-, 1 Walim sl< y. too — 
Those were the bold associates of brave Jack Donahoe. 

As Donahoe and his companions walked out one afternoon, 
Not thinking that pains of death it should effect so soon; 
The horse police they did advance all horrors to subdue, 
And in quick time they did advance to take Jack Donahoe. 

He said to his companions, If you prove true to me. 

This day we'll fight with all our might and gain our liberty; 

Said Ward and Webber, We will not fight, our comrades 'are so 

few, 
Begone from me, yon cowardly dogs, cried hold Jack Donahoe. 

If you would prove true to me. I would record your name, 

i tti people they will look on you with scorn and' with shame 

For to hang on the gallows tree I do not intend to do. 

So this day I'll light with all my might, cried bold Jack Donahoe. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



23 



BOLD JACK DONAHOE.— Continued. 
It never shall be said that Donahoe, the brave, 
Should yield unto the British crown, or live to be their slave; 
I'd sooner range the forest like a wolf or kangaroo, 
Than to work one hour for the government, cried bold Jack 
Donahoe. 

Said the sergeant unto Donahoe, Discharge your carbine, 

Do you intend to fight with us, or unto us resign? 

Unto such cowardly dogs I never intend to do, 

So this day I'll fight with all my might, cried bold Jack Donahoe. 

WHAT IRISH BOYS CAN DO. 

They insult an Irishman and think naught of what they say, 
They'll call him green, an Irish bull; it happens every day; 
Kow to these folks I'll say a word, to sing a song I'll try, 
And answer to those dirty words, no Irish need apply! 
So, if you'll give attention, I'll sing my song to you, 
And the subject of this song shall be: What Irish boys cam do. 

If you'd come to Ireland they'd treat you well, I'm sure, 
Pat would share his last potato with the destitute and poor; 
If you were sick and weary, and had no place to rest, 
The bed you'd get, though poor perhaps, would be Pat's best. 
He'd nurse you, too, he would that, and give you whisky, too, 
And you cannot find a nobler act than Irishmen can do. 

Did you ever know an Irishman from any danger flinch? 
In fighting, too, he'd rather die than give his foe an inch; 
Among the bravest in the world are the sons of Erin's green isle, 
Sure, the Iron Duke of Wellington was a native of the soil ; 
And didn't he badly whip the French on the plains of Waterloo? 
Which plainly showed to the whole world what Irishmen can do. 

Old Ireland had her warriors who fought both true and brave, 
Pat's assisted every nation on the land and on the wave; 
And poets, too, she's had, yes, many and many a score, 
Where can you find much brighter stars than Lover or Tom 

Moore ? 
Old Ireland's had her actors, and authors not a few, 
And things of wit and humor the Irish all can do. 

Did you ne'er hear of Sheridan or of lamented Catherine Hays? 
Did you ne'er see fun in Irish songs, or laugh at Irish plays? 
Old Ireland's had her statesmen, their fame the wide world rings, 
She's likewise had musicians to tune her old harp's strings! 
Not all Irish girls are beautiful, but then they're always true, 
And, for faith and generosity, the Irish girls will do. 

And then, too, in the present war between the North and the 
South, 

Let no dirty slur on Irish ever escape your mouth; 

Sure, did you ne'er hear tell of the 69th who bravely fought at 
Bull Run? 

And Meagher, of the seven days' fight, that was in front of Rich- 
mond? 

With General Shields who fought so brave for the flag, red, white 
and blue. 

And anything like a bayonet charge the Irish boys can do. 

Then, why slur upon the Irish? why are they treated so? 
What is it you have against them? is what I want to know; 
Sure, they work for all they get, and that you cant deny! 
Then, why insult them with the words: No Irish need apply? 
If you want to find their principles go search the wide' world 

through, 
And you'll find all things that's noble the Irish folks can do. 



ONE BOTTLE MORE. 

Assist me, ye lads, who have hearts void of 

guile, 
To sing out the praises of ould Ireland's 

isle ; 
Where true hospitality opens the door, 
And friendship detains us for one bottle 

more. 
One bottle more, arrah, one bottle more: 
And friendship detains us for one bottle 

more. 
Old England, your taunts on our country 

forbear ; 

With our bulls and our brogues we are true 

and sincere; 
For if but one bottle remains in our store, 
We have generous hearts to give that bot- 
tle more. 
One bottle more, etc. 

At Candy's in Church Street, I'll sing of a 

set 
Of six Irish blades who together had met; 
Four bottles apiece made us call for our 

score, 
For nothing remained but just one bottle 

more. 
One bottle more, etc. 

Our bill being brought we were, loath to 

depart, 
For friendship had grappled each man by 

the heart. 
Where the least touch, you know, makes 

an Irishman roar, 

bottles more. 
And the whack from shillalah brought six 
One bottle more, etc. 

Swift Phoebus now shone through our win- 
dow so bright, 

Quite happy to view his glad children of 
light ; 

So we parted with hearts neither sorry nor 
sore, 

Resolving next night to drink twelve bottles 
more. 
Twelve bottles more, etc 



THE POACHER. 

ORyan was ;i man of might 

Whin Inland was a nation, 
But poachin' was his heart's delight 

And constant occupation. 
He had an ould militia gun. 

And sarlin sure his aim was; 
He gave the keepers many a run 

And wouldn't mind tin' game laws. 

St. Pathrick wunst was passin' by 

O'Ryan's little houldin', 
And, as the saint felt wake and dhry, 

He thought he'd enther bould in. 
" O'Ryan," says the saint, "avick! 

To praich at Thurles I'm goin', 
So let me have a rasher quick, 

And a diirop of Innishowen." 



24 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



TIIK POACHER.— Continued. 

" No rasher will 1 cook for you, 

V, bile be.tther is to spun', air, 
But here's a jug of mountain dew. 

And there's a rattlin' hare, sir." 
St. Pathriek he looked mighty sweet, 

And, says he, " Ciood luck attind you, 
when you're in your windin' sheet, 

It's up to heaven I'll sind you." 
in gave his pipe a whiff — 

"i'hem tidin's 1- thransportin'; 
!' il may I ax your saintship if 

There's anv kind of sport in".'' ' 
S' Patrick said, -A lion's time. 

Two bears, a bull, and cancer" — 
"Bedad," says Mick, "the huntin's rare; 

St. Patrick, I'm your man, sir." 
So, to conclude my song aright, 
fear I'd tire your patience, 
see O'Kyan any night 

.\rl the constellations. 
And Venus follows in his track, 

Till Mars grows jealous raally. 
B t. faith, he fears the Irish knack 

Oi handling the shillaly. 

THE BELLS OF SHANDON. 
With deep affection and recollection 
1 often think of those Shandon bells, 

■ sound so wild would, in days of child- 
pood, 
Fling round my cradle their magic spells. 
On this I ponder, where'er I wander, 

And thus grow fonder, sweet Cork, of 
thee; 
With thy bells of Shandon, 
That sound so grand on 
The pleasant, waters of the river Lee. 
I've heard bells chiming full many a clime 
in, 
Tolling sublime in cathedral shrine; 
While at a glib rate brass tongues would 
vibrate. [thine; 

But all their music spoke nought like 
For memory dwelling on each proud swelling 
Of thy belfry knelling its bold notes free, 
Made the bells of Shandon, 
Sound far more grand on 
The pleasant waters of the river Lee. 
I've heard bells tolling " old Adrian's Mole " 
in, 
Their thunder rolling from the Vatican, 
And cymbals glorious, swinging uproarious 
In the gorgeous turrets of Notre Dame; 
But thy sounds were sweeter, than the dome 
of Peter 
Flings o'er the Tiber, pealing solemnly. 
()! the bells of Shandon, 
Sound far more grand on 
The pleasant waters of the river Lee. 
There's a bell in Moscow, while on tower 
and kiosko 
In St. Sophio the Turkman gets, 

I loud in air, calls men to prayer 
From the tapering summit of tall min- 
arets. 
Such empty phantom, I freely grant them; 
But (here's an anthem more dear to me, 
"I'is the bells of Shandon, 
That. Bound so grand on 
The pleasant waters of the river Lee. 



LAMENTATION OF JAMES RODGPRS. 

Come all you tender Christians, I hope you will draw near, 
And likewise pay attention to those few lines 1 have here; 
h'or the murder of Mr. Swanton I am condemned to die 
On the twelfth day of November, upon the gallows high. 

My name is James Rodgers — the same I never denied, 
Which leaves my aged parents in sorrow for to cry; 
It's little they ever thought, all in my youth and bloom, 
I came into New York to meet my fatal doom. 

My parents reared me tenderly, as you can plainly see, 
And constantly good advice they used to give to me : 
They told me to shun night-walking and all bad company, 
Or State's prison or the scaffold would be the doom for me. 

In bad houses and liquor I used to take delight, 

And constantly my companions they used me there invite; 

They all persuaded me the use of knives wire free, 

1 might commit a murder, and hanged I would not be. 

Upon the fatal night, as you may plainly see, 

My companions advised me to go and have a spree; 

My passion got the best of me, as you may plainly know, 

I drew the fatal knife, and it proved my overthrow. 

Mr. Swanton and his wife were passing through the street, 
And in my drunken passion I chanced them for to meet; 
They surely did not injure me — the same I'll ne'er deny. 
But Satan being so near to me, I could not pass them by. 

I staggered up against them, and then he turned around, 
And demanded if the sidewalk had not enough of ground; 
It's then I drew the fatal knife and stabbed him to the heart, 
Which leaves the loving wife from her husband for to part. 

To Woodbridge then I quickly fled, thinking to escape, 

But the hand of Providence was before me — indeed I was too late; 

There I was taken prisoner and fetched unto my doom, 

To die upon the gallows all in my youthful bloom. 

My trial came on quickly, and condemned I was to die, 
Mv companions and associates they were standing by'; 
1 told them to take warning by that my humble fate, 
To shun night-walking and bad company ere it be too late. 

Farewell, my aged father! T ne'er will see you more, 
And my broken-hearted mother, my lose you do deplore; 
My sisters and brothers, to you 1 bid adieu, 
Upon this fatal forenoon I have to part with you. 

The morning of my execution was most heart-rending for to see, 
My sister came from Jersey to take the last farewell of me; 
She flew into my arms and bitterly did cry, 
8aj ing: " My dear and loving brother, this day you are to die! " 

Thanks to the Sheriff for his kindness to me, 

Also my noble counselor who thought to gel me free; 

And likewise my faithful clergy who brought my mind to bear, 

For now I die a true penitent. I solemnly declare. 

My life is now ended — from this world I must part, 
For the murder of Mr. Swanton I am sorry to the heart; 
Let each wild and vicious youth a warning take by me. 
To be ruled by their parents and shun bad company. 









SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



25 



DONAL KENNY. 



" Come, piper, play the ' Sliaskan Reel,' 

Or else the ' Lasses on the heather,' 
And Mary, lay aside your wheel 

Until we dance once more together. 
At lair and pattern oft before 

Of reels and jigs we've tripped full many; 
But ne'er again this loved old floor 

Will feel the foot of Donal Kenny." 



Softly she arose and took his hand, 

And softly glided through the measure, 
While, clustering round, the village band 

Looked half in sorrow, half in pleasure. 
Warm blessings Mowed from every up 

As ceased the dancers' airy motion; 
Oh! Blessed Virgin guide the ship 

Which bears bold Donal o'er the ocean! 



" Now God be with you all! " he sighed, 

Adown his face the bright tears flowing — 
"God guard you well, aviv" they cried, 

" Upon the strange path you are going." 
So full his breast, he scarce could speak, 

With burning grasp the stretched hands 
taking, 
He pressed a kiss on every cheek, 

And sobbed as if his heart was breaking. 



" Boys, don't forget me when I'm gone, 
For sake of all the days passed over, 

The days you spent on heath and bawn, 
With Donal Ruadh, the rattlin' rover. 

Mary, agra, your soft brown eye 

Has willed my fate" (he whispered low- 

iy); 

"Another holds thy heart: good-by! 

Heaven grant you both its blessings 
holy! " 



A kiss upon her brow of snow, 

A rush across the moonlit meadow, 
Whose brown-clad hazels, trembling slow, 

The mossy boreen wrapped in shadow; 
Away o'er Tully's bounding rill. 

And far beyond the Inny river; 
One cheer on Carrick's rocky hill, 

And Donal Kenny's gone forever. 



The breezes whist'.ed through the sails 

O'er Galway Bay the ship was heaving, 
And smothered groans an 1 bursting walls 

Told all the grief and pain of leaving. 
One form among that exiled band 

Of parting sorrow gave no token. 
Still was his breath and cold his hand; 

For Doral Kenny's heart was broken. 



THE TAN- YARD SIDE. 

I am a rambling hero, by love I am ensnared ; 
Near to the town of Bollinglass there dwells a comely maid; 
Mies fairer than Diana bright, she's free from earthly pride, 
She s a lovely maid — her dwelling place lies near the tan-yard 
side. 

I stood in meditation, I viewed her o'er and o'er, 
I thought she was Aurora bright, descending down so low: 
" No, no, kind sir, I'm a country girl," she modestly replied, 
" 1 labor daily for my bread down by the tan-yard side." 

Her golden hair, in ringlets rare, hangs o'er her snowy ne<k. 
The killing glances of her eyes would save a ship from wreck, 
Her two brown, sparkling eyes, and her teeth like ivory white, 
Would make a man become her slave down by the tan-yard side. 

For twelve long months we courted, till at length we did agree 
For to acquaint her parents and married we would be; 
Till at length her cruel father to me he proved unkind, 
Which makes me sail across the seas and leave my true love 
behind. 

Farewell, my aged parents, and to you I bid adieu ; 
I'm crossing the main ocean, dear, for the sake of you: 
But if ever I return again, I will make you my bride, 
And I'll roll you in my arms down by the tan-yard side. 

ERIN'S LOVELY HOME. 

When I was young and in my prime, my age just twenty-one, 
1 acted as a servant unto a gentleman ; 
I served him true and honest, and very well, it's known, 
But in cruelty he banished me from Erin's lovely home. 

For what he did banish me I mean to let you hear: 

I own I loved his daughter, and she loved me as dear. 

She had a large fortune, and riches I had none, 

We'll bid adieu to all our friends in Erin's lovely home.'' 

'Twas in her father's garden, all in the month of June, 
We were viewing of those flowers all in their youthful bloom; 
She said: " My dearest William, if with me you will roam, 
We'll bid adieu to all our friends in Erin's lovely home. 

I gave consent that very night along with her to roam 
From her father's dwelling — it proved my overthrow; 
The night was bright ; by the moonlight we both set oil' alone, 
Thinking to get safe away from Erin's lovely home. 

When we came to Belfast, by the break of day, 

My love, she then got ready our passage for to pay: 

Five thousand pounds she counted down, saying: "This shall be 

your own, 
But do not mourn for those we've left in Erin's lovely home." 

Tis of our sad misfortune I mean to let you hear, 

'Twas in a few hours after, her father did* appear, 

He marched me back to Homer jail in the county of Tyrone, 

And there I was transported from Erin's lovely home. 

When I heard my sentence, it grieved my heart full sore, 
But parting from my true love it grieved me ten times more. 
I had seven links upon my chain, for every link a year, 
Before I can return again to the arms of my dear. 

While I lay under sentence, before T sailed away, 

My love, she came into the jail, and thus to me did say: 

" Cheer up your heart, don't be dismayed, for I'll not you disown, 

Until you do return again to Erin's lovely home.'' 



2G 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 






I DREAMED THAT OLD [RELAND WAS FREE. 



COME BACK TO YOUR OLD IRISH HOME. 



<>\i nighl as I slumbered in sweet, peaceful i 

Tired ou1 from a long day of toil, 
Mj thoughts, like a bird, over the ocean's white crest, 

Wandered back to mj own native soil; 
But a greal change had come since the time when a boy, 

I played 'round my old mother's km 
And my In art seemed to leap in my bosom with joy, 
i dreamed that old Ireland was free. 



Chorus. 

The days of her freedom at last had arrove, 
The time thai we all long to see; 
For which our great ancestors nobly had strove 
I dreamed that old Ireland was free. 



I thought the chains that had bound her were broke, 

And the dear little isle of my birth 
At last from her slumbers of years had awoke, 

Ami again was a power on earth; 
The green flag of Erin was proudly unfurled 

Over the emerald isle of the sea, 
And loudly announced to the wondering world, 

At last dear old Ireland was free— Chobtjs. 



I awoke and found that 'twas only a dream, 

A dream that had fled with the night, 
For when through the window the morning sunbeam 

Shone in my visions took flight; 
I sank on my knees by my bedside to pray, 

That the time may not far distant be 
When my vision shall come in the broad light of day, 

And will welcome old Ireland free. — Chorus. 



THE WILD IRISH BOY. 

Farewell to the dear land I leave far behind, 
Farewell to my father, although he be blind; 
Shall I ever forget him while my heart beats with joy? 
For he called me his darling, the wild Irish boy — 
For he called me his darling, the wild Irish boy. 

When I came to this counfry I had brogues on my feet, 

And corduroy breeches, although I looked neat, 

Yet the boys they all laughed at me, which to me was a joy, 

I'm- they called me the hero, the wild Irish boy- 
fur they called me the hero, the wild Irish boy. 

There is one they'll remember and never forget, 
'Tia Washington's dear triend, the bold Lafayette; 
Who gave tort une and all. not wishing for fame. 
I ni he dearly loved freedom and Washington's name — 
For he dearly loved freedom and Washington's name. 

,'11 send for my parents and they will come here. 

land filled with plenty, and a land they love dear: 
For I know they will bless me. while their hearts beat with joy, 
For they eall me their own son, their wild Irish boy. 

I 

There's the land of my kindred I'll never forget, 
for the time it may eome when it will be happy yet; 
Would to Cod it were now. for 'twould give me great joy 
For to gaze once more on it. though a wild Irish boy — 
i/.e once more on it, though a wild Irish boy. 



There's a gar len spot on earth, to me 

' 1 1, the swetesl plai e I've -een ; 
Where childhood's happy moments passed — 

I see it in my dreams ; 
But I left it and came to roam, 

'Twas hard to say good-by; 
Ofttimes 1 fancy 1 can hear 

My poor old mother cry: 

Chorus. 

Come back ! come back ! 

Come hack here to your Irish home. 
Then come back ! come back ! 

Come back, Kate, och hone. 



I've been away one year to-day, 

And my heart feels lonely yet . 
Ofttimes they write and seem to fear 

That 1 will soon forget; 
But 1 can't forget where'er I roam, 

No matter how I try. 
And in my sleep I seem to hear 

My poor old mother cry: — Chorus. 






BRIGHT EMERALD ISLE OF THE SEA. 

My heart wanders back o'er the waters 

To the land that I left long ago; 
I loved one of Erin's fair daughters, 

And she's faithful to me. I well know. 
Her form is as neat as the fairy. 

And her smile, 'tis a blessing to me; 
Oh! I'll never forget you. dear Mary, 

Or the bright emerald Isle of the sea. 

Thev forced me in sorrow to leave thee, 

But. my own. there are bright day* in store; 
When hands of the tyrant shall grieve you, 

Lovely land of my birth, never more. 
Though dark is the present, my fairy, 

Oh! how sweet is the dawn that will be; 
And I'll never forget you. dear Mary. 

Or the bright emerald Isle of the sea. 



The cot and the brook where we parted, 

Oh! I see every night in my - 
I wander almost broken-hearted, 

When 1 think of the past 1 weep. 
I'll toil on for your sake, my fairy. 

For there'- hope in the years that will be; 
I'll come and I'll we ar Mary, 

In the brigi Id Isle of tin- sea. 



THE ROSE OF KENM \ 

I've been in :i small way 

On the girleens of Galway, 
And the Limerick lasses have made me feel 
quare : 

Hut theres no use denyin' 

No girl -I've set < - e on 
Could compare w id Rose Ryan of the town of 
Kenmare. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



27 



THE ROSE OF KENMARE— Continued. 

Oh, where 
Can her like be found? 

Nowhere, 
The country round, 
Spins at her wheel 

Daughter as true, 
Sets in the reel, 

Wid a slide of the shoe, 
A slinderer, 
Tinderer, 
Purtier, 
Wittier 
Colleen than you, 
Rose, aroo ! 

Her hair mocks the sunshine, 
And the soft silver moonshine 
Her while arm and bosom completely 
eclipse ; 
Whilst the nose of the jewel 
Slants straight as Cam Tual 
From the heaven in her eye to her heather- 
sweet lips. 
Oh, where, etc. 

Did your eyes ever follow 
The wings of the swallow, 
Here and there, light as air, o'er the 
meadow-field glance? 
For, if not, you've no notion 
Of the exquisite motion 
Of her sweet little feet as they dart in the 
dance, 

Oh, where, etc. 

If y' inquire why the nightingale. 
Still shuns the invitin' gale 
That wafts every song-bird but her to the 
West, 
Faix, she knows, I suppose, 
Child Kenmare has a rose 
That would sing any Bulbul to sleep in her 
nest. 
Oh, where, etc. 

When her voice gives the warnin' 
For the milkin' in the mornin', 
Ev'n the cow known for hornin' comes 
runnin' to her pail ; 
The lambs play about her 
And the small bonnecns snout her, 
Whilst their parints salute her wid a twisht 
of the tail. 

Oh, where, etc. 

When at noon from our labor 
We draw neighbor wid neighbor 
From the heat of the sun to the shilter of 
the tier, 
Wid spuds fresh from the bilin' 
And new milk you come smilin', 
All the boys' hearts beguilin', Alanna 
machree ! 

Oh, where, etc. 

But there's one sweeter hour, 
When the hot day is o'er, 
And we rest at the door wid the bright 
moon above, 
And she sittin' in the middle, 
When she's guessed Larry's riddle, 
Cries, " Now for your fiddle, my love, my 
love." 

Oh, where, etc. 



DONNELLY AND COOPEK. 

Come all you true-bred Irishmen, I hope you will draw near, 
And likewise pay attention to those few lines you hear; 
It's of as true a story as ever you did hear, 
It's about Donnelly and Cooper, that fought all on Kildare. 

'Twas on the 3d of June, brave boys, this challenge sent o'er 
From Britannia to old Grauna to renew her sons once more; 
To renew her satisfaction, and her credit to recall, 
For they're all in deep distraction since Donnelly conquered alL 

Old Grauna read the challenge received and she smiled. 
Saying: •"You'd better hasten to Kildare, my well-beloved child, 
There you will reign victorious, which you often did before, 
And your deeds will shine so gloriously around old Erin's shore." 

The challenge was accepted, these heroes did prepare 
To meet brave Captain Kelly on the Curragh of Kildare; 
When these two bully champions were stripped oil' in the ring, 
They both were still determined on each other's blood to spill. 

From 6 to 9 parried their time, till Donnelly knocked him down, 
Old Grauna smiled: " W r ell done, my child, that is ten thousand 

pound ! " 
The second round that Cooper fought he knocked down Donnelly, 
Likewise true game was Donnelly, he rose most furiously. 

Right active then was Cooper, he knocked Donneih down again ; 
Those Englishmen then gave three cheers, saying: "The battle's 

all in vain.'' 
Long life to brave Hiss Kelly, she's recorded on the plain, 
She boldly stepped into the ring, saying: " Dan, my boy, what do 

you mane? 
My Irish boy," said she, " my whole estate I've bet on you, brave 

Donnelly." 

Donnelly rose again, and meeting with great might. 
And to stagnate those nobles all, continued to his fight: 
Cooper stood in his own defense, exertion proved in vain, 
He soon received a temple blow that knocked him on the plain. 

Now, you sons of proud Britannia, your boasting now recall, 

Since Cooper now by Donnelly he met a sad downfall ; 

Out of eleven rounds, gave nine knock-downs and broke his jaw- 
bone; 

" Shake hands," said she, " brave Donnelly, the battle's all our 
own." 

O'DONNELL, THE AVENGER. 

Come all true sons of Erin's isle, and listen unto me, 
I'm sure, when you have heard my song, with me you will agree: 
To condemn those English juries who, with faces grim and bold, 
Do send poor innocent Irishmen to dungeons dark and cold. 
Of that great crime in Phoenix Park, no doubt you all have hea 
At the trial of the prisoners, you all know what oecuin d ■ 
James Carey turned informer, and those precious lives he sold, 
And sent them to their dreadful doom for a bit of English gold. 

To escape a speedy vengeance, James Carey had to roam, 
And with his ruined family he left his native home ; 
And thought to seek seclusion in lands quite far away. 
So he sailed on the Melrose Castle for the shores of Africa. 
On the 29th day of July, as the ship was nearing shore, 
Some passengers near the forecastle heard a terrible uproar; 
They rushed toward the cabin, but ere they reached the spot, 
The base informer Carey had received a fatal shot. 



28 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



O'DONELL, THE AVENGEB.— Continued. 
Those noble lives had been avenged, the traitor now is dead, 
The avenger, Pat. O'Donnell, soon slept on a prison bed; 
Cast there by English tyrants until his day of trial, 

When he was tried, like other Irishmen, in the unjust English 

style. 
•On the 30th of November, for this murder he was tried, 
When he saw Judge Denham on the bench, ail hopes within him 

died ; 
His counsel, who were able men. to save aim hard did try, 
But the jury found him guilty, which ineant that he should die. 

On the 1st day of December, he was sentenced to be hung, 

Soon over the' whole universe the doleful tidings rung; 

In every cot in Erin's isle great sorrow did prevail, 

Tor the friends of Pat. O'Donnell his misfortune did bewail. 

The day of his execution was a terrible sight to see, 

His comrades at the prison gate were weeping bitterly; 

At the loathsome sight of the -allows he ne'er did cringe or cry, 

As a martyr for his native land quite bravely did he die. 

Although he's dead and laid to rest, all honored be his name, 

Let no one look upon his act with contempt or disdain; 

His impulse was but human, that no one will deny, 

And I hope he'll be forgiven by the Infinite One on high. 

If every son of Erin's isle had such a heart as he, 

Soon would they set their native land once more at liberty; 

Unfurl their flag unto the breeze, their rights they would redeem, 

If unity and friendship in their land did reign supreme. 



O'DONOVAN'S DAUGHTER. 

One midsummer's eve. when the Bel-fires were lighted, 
And the bag-piper's tone call'd the maidens delighted, 
1 joiii"d a gay group by the Aragiin's water, 
And danced till the dawn with O'Donovan's daughter. 



Have you seen the ripe monadan glisten in Kerry? 
Have you mark'd on the Galteys the black whortleberry? 
Or ceanaban wave by the wells of Blackwater? 
They're the cheek, eye and neck of O'Donovan's daughter! 

Have you seen a gay kidling on Claragh's round mountain? 
The swan's arching glory on Sheeling's blue fountain? 
Heard a weird woman chant what the fairy choir taught her? 
They've the step, grace, and tone of O'Donovan's daughter ! 

Have you mark'd in its flight the black wing of the raven? 
The rose-buds that breathe in the summer-breeze waven? 
The pearls that lie hid under Lene's magic water? 
They're the teeth, lip, and hair of O'Donovan's daughter! 

Ere the Bel-fire was dimm'd, or the dancers departed, 

1 taught her a song of some maid broken-hearted; 

.And that group, and that dance, and that love-song I taught her, 

Haunt my slumbers at night with O'Donovan's daughter! 

God grant 'tis no fay from Cnoc-Firinn that wooes me, 
God giant 'tis not Cliodhna the queen that pursues me. 
That my soul lost and lone has no witchery wroughl her, 
While ! dream of dark groves and O'Donovan's daughter! 

If, spellbound, I pine with an airy disorder, 

Saint Gobnate lias sway over Muagry's wide border; 

She'll scare from my couch, when with prayer i'\e besought her, 

That bright airy sprite like O'Donovan's daughter. 



THE BOYS OF WEXFORD. 

In com< s tl Ln's daughter. 

The captain of tin- Yeos, 
Saying: " Brave United men, 

We'll ne'er again be for-. 
A thousand pound- I'll give thee. 

And fly from h ime with th 
And dros myself in man'.- a 
And fight tor liberty! " 

We are the boys of Wexford. 

Who fought with heart and hand 
To burst in twain the galling chain, 
And free our native land! 



And when we left our cabins, boys, 

We hit with right good will, 
To see our friends and neighl 

That were at Vinegar Hill. 
A young man from our ranks. 

A cannon lie let go ; 
He slapped it into Lord Mountj >y — 
A tyrant he laid low. 

We are the boys of Wexford. 

We fought with heart and hand 
To burst in twain the galling chain, 
And free our native land. 



We bravely fought and conqueie 1 

At Ross and Wexford town ; 
And, if we failed to keep them, 

Twas drink that brought us down. 
We had no drink beside us 
On Tubber'neering's day, 
Depending on the long bright pike, 
And well it worked its way! 
We are the boys of Wexford, 

We fought with heart and hand 
To burst in twain the galling chain, 
And free our native land. 



They came into the country 

Our blood to waste and spill ; 
But let them weep for Wexford, 

And think of Oulart Hill! 
'Twas drink that still betrayed us — 

Of them we had no fear ; 
For every man could do his part 
Like Forth and Shelmalier! 
We are the boys of Wexford 

We fought with heart and hand 
To burst in twain the galling chain, 
And free our native land. 



My curse upon ail drinking, 
It made our heart s full si 
For bravery won each battle, 

But drink lost ever more; 
And if. for want of leaders, 

We lost a* Vinegar Hill. 
We're ready for another fight, 
And love our country still ! 
We me the hoy. ^<i Wexford 

We fought with l.eai t and hand 
To burst in twain the galling chain, 
And free our native land. 



.. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



29 



THE COW THAT ATE THE PIPER. 

In the year '98, when our troubles were great, 

And it was treason to be a Milesian, 
That black-whiskered set we will never forget, 

Though history tells us they were Hessian. 
In this troublesome time, oh! 'twas a great crime, 

And murder never was riper, 
At the side of Glenshee, not an acre from me, 

There lived one Denny Byrne, a piper. 

Neither wedding or wake would be worth a shake, 

Wh( re Denny was not iirst invited. 
At squeezing the hags and emptying the kegs, 

lie astonished as well as delighted. 
In these times poor Denny could not earn one penny, 

Martial law had him stung like a viper; 
They .kept him within till the bones and the skin 

Wore grinning thro' the rags of the piper. 

One evening in June, as he was going home, 

After the fair of Rathnagan, 
What should he see from the branch of a tree, 

But the corpse of a Hessian there hanging. 
Says Denny: " Those rogues have boots, I've brogues," 

On the boots then he laid such a griper, 
He pulled with such might, and the boots were so tight, 

That legs .and boots came away with the piper. 

Then Denny did run, for fear of being hung, 

Till he came to Tim Kennedy's cabin; 
Says Tim from within: " 1 can't let you in. 

You'll be shot if you're caught there a-rapping." 
He went to the shed, where the cow was in bed, 

With a wisp he began to wipe her; 
They lay down together on a seven-foot feather; 

And the cow fell a-hugging the piper. 

Then Denny did yawn, as the day it did dawn, 

And he streel'd off the boots of the Hessian; 
The legs — by the law, he left on the straw 

And he gave them leg-bail for his mission. 
When the breakfast was done, Tim sent out his son, 

To make Denny jump up like a lamplighter; 
When the legs there he saw, he roar'd like a jackdaw, 

" Oh, daddy! the cow's ate the piper! " 

" Musha bad luck on the beast — she'd a musical taste. 

For to eat such a beautiful chanter: 
Arrah! Patrick avic, take a lump of a stick, 

Drive her off to Glenhealy — we'll cane her." 
Mrs. Kennedy bawi'd, and the neighbors were eall'd, 

They began for to humbug and gibe her; 
To the churchyard Tim walked, with the legs in a box, 

And the cow will be hung for the piper. 

The cow she was drove a mile or two off, 

To the fair at the side of Glenhealy. 
And there she was sold for four guineas in gold, 

To clerk o* the parish, Tim Daly. 
They went to a tent, the luck-penny was spent. 

The clerk being a jolly old swiper, 
Who d'ye think was there, playing the "Rakes of Kildare,' : 

But poor Denny Byrne, the piper 1 

Then Tim gave a bolt, like a half-drunken colt, 

At the piper he gazed like a gommaek, 
He said: " By the powers! I thought these eight hours 

You were playing in drinian dhu's stomach! " 
Then Denny observed how the Hessian was served, 

And they all wish'd Nick's cure to the griper; 
For grandeur they met, their whistles they wet, 

And like fairies they danced round the piper. 



MO CRAOIBHIN UNO.* 

My heart is far from Liffey's tide 

And Dublin town ; 
It stays beyond the Southern side 

Of Cnoc-Maol-Donn,t 
Where CappoquinJ hath woodlands green. 

Where Ainhan-Mhor's § waters flow, 
Where dwells unsung, unsought, unseen, 

Mo craoibhin cno, 
Low clustering in her leafy screen, 

Mo craoibhin cno! 



The high-bred dames of Dublin town 

Are rich and fair, 
With wavy plume, and silken gown, 

And stately air; 
Can plumes compare thy dark brown hair? 

Can silks thy neck of snow '! 
Or measur'd pace, thine artless grace, 

Mo craoibhin cno, 
When harebells scarcely show thy trace, 

Mo craoibhin cno? 



I've heard the songs by Liffey's wave 

The maidens sung — 
They sung their land the Saxon's slave, 

In Saxon tongue — 
Oh! bring me here that Gaelic dear 

Which cursed the Saxon foe, 
When thou didst charm my raptured ear, 

Mo craoibhin cno! 
And none but God's good angels near, 

Mo craoibhin cno! 



I've wandered by the rolling Lee! 

And Lene's green bowers — 
I've seen the Shannon's wide-spread sea, 

And Limerick's towers — - 
And Liffey's tide, where hills of pride 

Frown o'er the flood below; 
My wild heart strays to Amhan-Mhor's 
side, 

Mo craoibhin cno! 
With love and thee for aye to hide, 

Mo craoibhin cno! 



* .l/d croaibhin mn literally means my cluster of 
nuts: but it figuratively signifies my nut brown 
maid. It is pronounced Ma Creevin Kno 

t Cnoc-maol-Donn — The Brown bare hill. A lefty 
mountain between the county of Tipperary and I bat 
nf Waterford, commanding a glorious pros] > 
unrivaled scenery. 

t Cappoquin. A romantically situated town on tbe 
Black water, in the country of Waterford. The Irish 
name denotes the The Head af the Tribe of Conn. 

| Amhan-Wior — The Great Fiver. The 
water, which Hows into the sea a! Youghal. The Irish 
name is uttered in two sounds, Oan lore. 



FATHER O'FLYNN. 

Of priests we can offer a charmin' variety, 
Far renowned for larnin' and piety : 
Still, I'd advance ye. widout impropriety, 
Father O'Flynn as the flower of them all. 
Here's a health to you, Father O'Flynn, 
Slainte, and slainte, and s'ainte agin; 
Poverfnlest preacher, and 
Tinderest teacher, and 
Kindliest creature in ould Donegal. 



30 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



FATHER O'FLTNN.— Continued. 
Don't talk of your Provost and Fellows of 

Trinity, 
Famous for ever at Greek and Latinity, 
Dad, and the divils and all at Divinity, 
Father O Flynn'd make hares of them all! 
Come, I venture to give ye my word, 
Never the likes of his logic was heard, 
Down from mythology 
Into thayology, 
Troth! and eonchology, if he'd the call. 
Here's a health, etc. 

Oeh ! Father O'Flynn, you've the wonderful 

way wid you, 
All ould sinners are wishful to pray wid 

you, 
All the young childer are wild for to play 
wid you, 
You've such a way wid you, Father avick. 
Still, for all you're so gentle a soul — 
Gad! you've your flock in the grandest 
control : 

Checking the crazy ones, 
Coaxin' onaisy ones, 
Lifting i he lazy ones wid the stick. 
Here's a health, etc. 

And though quite avoidin' all foolish frivol- 
ity, 
Still at all seasons of innocent jollity, 
Where was the play-boy could claim an 
equality 
At comicality, Father, wid you? 

Once the Bishop looked grave at your 

jest, 
Till this remark set him off with the 
rest: 

" Is it lave gaiety 
All to the laity f 
Cannot the clergy be Irishmen too?' 
Here's a health, etc. 

COLLEEN BAWN. 

By the clear lakes of Killarney 

Walked a youth one fine summer morn, 
Who softly was whispering blarney 

To one whom he called Colleen Bawn; 
He promised her jewels so rare, 

He promised her gold in galore, 
And said that a maiden so fair 

Deserved all she wished for and more. 
Then beamed on the sweet face of Eily 

A smile like the first flush of dawn, 
And she said, while glancing so slyly: 

You'll marry your own Colleen Bawn; 

You'll marry your own Colleen Bawn. 

He spoke of his family's pride— 

She told him at once to be gone, 
And said: Sir, unless as a bride, 

In vain you will seek Colleen Bawn. 
I h wild flowers that grow by the lake 

Are jewels sufficient for me. 
And all the gold from you I'd take, 

1m a plain, simple ring it must be. 
Then bright grew the sweet face of Eily, 

For he promised the very next morn 
To speak to the priest, Father Riley. 

And marry his dear Colleen Bawn; 

And marry his dear Colleen Bawn. 



MORRISEY AND THE RUSSIAN. 



Come all ye gallant Irishmen, wherever that you be, 

1 hope you'll pay attention and listen unto me 

Till I sing about the battle that took place the other day 

Between a Russian sailor and gallant Morriscy. 



'Twas in Terre-del-Fuego, in South America, 

This Russian challenged Morrisey — these words to him did say: 

" 1 hear you are a fighting man, and wear a belt, 1 se , 

Indeed I wish you would consent to have a round with me." 



Then out spoke brave Morrisey, with heart both brave and true, 
" I am a valiant Irishman that never was subdued, 

For I can whale the Yankee. I lie Saxon buli or bear: 
In honor of old Paddy's land I still the laurel wear." 



Those words enraged the Russian boy upon the Yankee land, 
To think that he should be put down by any Irishman. 
Says he: "You are too light a frame, ai;d that without mistake, 
I'll have you resign the belt or else your life I'll take." 



To fight upon the 10th of March these heroes did agree, 
And thousands came from every part the battie for to see ; 
The English and the Russians their hearts were tilled with glee, 
They swore this Russian sailor-boy would kill brave Morrisey. 



Those heroes stepped into the ring most gallant to be seen 
And Morrisey put on the belt, bound round with shamrock green; 
Full sixty thousand dollars then, as you may plainly see, 
Was to be champion's prize who would gain the victory. 



They shook hands and walked around the ring, commencing then 

to fight, 
It filled each Irish heart with pride for to behold the sight. 
The Russian he floored Morrisey up to the eleventh round, 
With Yankee, Russian, and Saxon cheers the valley did resound. 



The Irish offered four to one that day upon the grass, 
No sooner said than taken up, and down they brought the cash. 
They parried away without delay to the thirtj'-secoud round, 
When Morrisey received a blow that brought him to the ground. 



Up to the thirty-seventh round 'twas fall and fall about, 
Which made the foreign tyrants to keep a sharp lookout; 
The Russian called his second for to have a glass of wine. 
Our Irish hero smiled and said : " This battle will be mine." 



The thirty-eighth decided all, the Russian felt the smart — 
Morrisey with a dreadful blow struck the Russian on the heart; 
Ihe doctor he was called upon to open up a vein. 
Ho said it was quite useless, he would never light again. 



Our hero conquered Thompson, the Yankee ( lipper, too, 
The Benicia Boy, and Sheppard he nobly did subdue; 
So let us fill a iiowing glass, and here is health galore 
To noble Johnny Morriscy and Paddies evermore. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



31 



THE MAID OF SWEET GORTEEN. 
Come all you gentle Muses, combine and lend an ear, 
While I set forth the praises of a charming maiden fair ; 
It's the curling of her yellow locks that stole away my heart, 
And death, I'm sure, must be the cure if she and I must part. 

The praises of this lovely maid I mean for to unfold, 

Her Hair hangs o'er her shoulders like lovely links of gold; 

tier carriage neat, her limbs complete, which fractured quite my 

brain, 
Her skin is whiter than the swan that swims on the purling 

stream. 
Her eyes are like the diamonds bright that shine in crystal stream, 
So modest and so tender, she's tit to be a queen; 
Many pleasant hours 1 spent in the garden held, 
In hopes to get another sight of the maid of sweet Gorteen. 

It was my cruel father that caused ray grief and Avoe, 

He locked her in a room and would not let her go; 

Her windows I have daily watched, thinking she might be seen, 

In hopes to get another sight of the maid of sweet Gorteen. 

My father arose one day and thus to me did say: 

O, my dear son, be advised by me, don't throw yourself away, 

To marry a poor servant girl whose parents arc so mean, 

So stay "at home and do not roam, but always with me remain. 

O, father, dearest father, don't part me from my dear, 
I would not lose my darling for 1,000 pounds a year; 
Was I possessed of England's crown I would make her my queen, 
In high renown I'd wear the crown with the maid of sweet Gor- 
teen 
My father in a passion Hew and thus to me did say: 
Since it's the case within this place no longer she shall stay, 
Mark what I say, from this very day you never shall see her face, 
For I will send her far away unto some lonesome place. 

'Twas a few days after a horse he did prepare, 

And sent my darling far away to a place I know not where; 

I may go view my darling's room, where ofttimes she has been, 

Thinking to get another sight of the maid of sweet Gorteen. 

Now to conclude and make an end I take my pen in hand, 
John O'Brien is my name, and flowery is my land, 
My days are spent in merriment since my darling I first seen, 
But her abode is on a road at a place called sweet Gorteen. 

THE POOR MAN'S LABOR'S NEVER DONE. 
I married a wife for to sit by me, which makes me sorely to 

repent ; 
Matches, they say, are made in heaven, but mine was for a penance 

sent. 
I soon became a servant to her, to milk the cows and black her 

shoon ; 
For women's ways, they must have pleasure, and the poor man's 

labor's never done. 

The very first year chat we were married, she gave to me a pretty 

babe: 
She sat me down to rock its cradle, and give it cordial when it 

waked: 
If it cried, she would bitterly scould me, and if it bawled, away 1 

should run; 
For women's ways, they must have pleasure, and the poor man's 

labor's never done. 

So all ye young men that are inclined to marry, be sure and 

marry a loving wife, 
And do not marry my wife's sister, or she will plague vou all your 

life; 
Do not marry her mother's daughter, or she will grieve your heart 

full sore; 
But take from me my wife, and welcome — and then my care and 

trouble is o'er. 



CAOCH THE PIPER. 

One winter's day, long — long ago, 

When I was a little fellow, 
A piper wandered to our door, 

Gray-headed, blind, ajid yellow—- 
And oh, how glad was my young heart, 

Though earth and sky looked dreary — 
To see the stranger and his dog — 

Poor " Pinch " and Caoch O'Leary. 

And when he stowed away his " bag," 

Cross barred with green and yellow, 
I thought and said : "In Ireland's ground 

There's not so tine a fellow/' 
And B'ineen Burk and Shane Magee, 

And Eily, Kate, and Mary, 
Rushed in, with frantic haste to "see" 

And " welcome " Caoch O'Leary. 

Oh, God be with those happy times, 
Oh, (lod be with my childhood, 

And often when 1 walked and (lanced 
With Eily, Kate, and Mary, 

We spoke of childhood's rosy hours, 
And prayed for Caoch O'Leary. 

Well — twenty summers had gone past, 

And June's red sun was sinking, 
When I, a man, sat by my door, 

Of twenty sad things thinking. 
A little dog came up tne way, 

His gait was slow and weary, 
And at his tail a lame man limped — 

'Twas " Pinch " and Caoch O'Leary. 

Old Caoch! but oh! how woebegone! 

His form is bowed and bending, 
His fleshiest hands are stiff and wan, 

Ay — Time is even blending. 
The colors on his threadbare " bag " — 

And " Pinch " is twice as hairy, 
And " thin-spare " as when first I saw 

Himself and Caoch O'Leary. 

" Cod's blessing here," the wanderer cried, 

"Far — far be hell's black vijer; 
Does anybody hereabouts 

Remember Caoch the Piper?" 
With swelling heart I grasped his hand; 

The old man murmured: " Deary t 
When T, bare headed, roamed all day 

Bird-nesting in the wild-wood — 
I'll not forget those sunny hours, 

However years may vary ; 
I'll not forget my early friends, 

Nor honest Caoch O Leary. 

Poor Caoch and " Pinch " slept well that 
night. 

And in the morning early 
He called me up to hear him play 

" The wind that shakes the barley." 
And then he stroked my flaxen hair, 

And cried: "God mark my deary" 
And how he wept when he said: "Farewell, 

And think of Caoch O'Leary." 

And seasons came and went, and still 

Old Caoch was not forgotten, 
Although I thought him "dead and gone," 

Aim in the cold clay rotten, 
"Are you the silky headed child 

That loved poor Caoch O'Leary ? " 



32 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



CAOCH THE PIPER.— Con tinued. 

•• yea— yea," 1 said— the wanderer wept 

Aa if his heart was breaking — 
"And where, a vhic machree," he sobbed, 

■• l> all the merry-making 
I found here twenty yeara ago* " — 

•• My tale" I Bighed, " might weary, 
Enough to - 13 tnere's none but me 

To welcome Ci h O'Leary." 

>• Vo Vo — Vo ! " the old man cried, 

And wrung his hands in sorrow, 
"Pray lead me in, asthore machree, 

\nd I'll go home to-morrow. 
My 'peace ia made'— I'll calmly leave 

'l his .oild so cold and dreary, 
And you shall keep my pipes and dog, 

And pray for Caoch Leary. ' 

With " Pinch," I watched his bed that night, 

Next day. his wish was granted; 
He died- i' James was brought, 

And the Requiem mass was chanted — 
The neighbors came; we dug his grave. 

Near Eily, Kate, and Mary, 
And there lie sleeps his last sweet sleep; 

God rest you! Caoch O'Leary. 

GARRYOWEX. 

Let Bacchua'a sons be not dismayed, 
But join with me each jovial blade; 
Come booze and sing and lend your aid 
To help me with the chorus: 

Instead of Spa we'll drink brown ale, 
And pay the reckoning on the nail, 
No man for debt shall go to gaol 
From Garryowen in glory! 

We are the boys that take delight in 
Smashing the Limerick lamps when lighting, 
Through the streets like sporters fighting, 
And bearing all before us. 
Instead of Spa, etc. 

We'll break windows, we'll break doors, 
The watch knock down by threes and fours; 
Then let the doctors work their cures 
And tinker up our bruises. 
Instead of Spa, etc. 

We'll beat the bailiffs, out of fun, 
We'll make the mayor and sheriffs run; 
We are the boys no man dares dun, 
If he regards a whole skin. 
Instead of Spa, e.c. 

Our hearts, so stout, have got us fame, 
For soon 'tis known from whence we came; 
Where'er we go they dread the name 
Of Garryowen in glory. 
Instead of Spa, etc. 

Johnny Connell'a tall and straight, 
And iii his limbs he is complete; 
He'll pitch a bar of any weight 

From Garryowen to Thomond Gate. 
Instead of Spa, etc. 

Garryowen is gone to wrack, 
Since Johnny Connell went to Cork. 
Though Darby O'Brien leapt over the dock, 
In suite of all the soldiers. 
Instead of Spa, etc. 



SHAN VAN VOGH. 

Oh! the French are on the sea. says the Shan Van Vogh; 

The French are on the sea, says the Shan Nan VOgn; 

Oh! Pie lie n.h are in the bay, they'll be here without delay, 

And the orange will dei-ay. saya the Shan \ an \ ogh. 

Oh! the French are in the bay, they'll be here by break of day, 
And the orange will decay, s^ the Shan Van Vogh. 

And where will they have their camp! Shan Van Vogh; 

Where will they have their camp': Bays 1 He Mia:. Van \ogh; 

on the Curragh of Kildare, the boya the\ will be there. 

With their pikes in good repair, says the Shan \ an \ Ogn. 
To the Curragh of Kildare. the boya they will repair, 
And Lord Edward will be there, says the Shan \ an \ ogh. 

Then what will the yeomen do? says the Shan Van Vogh; 
What will t he yt omen do .' >ays the Shan \ an \ ogh : 
What should the veomen do. but throw oil' the red and blue, 
And swear that they'll be true to the Shan Van \ ogh? 

W hat should, etc. 

\nd what color will they wear? says the Shan Van Vogh; 
What color will they wear.' say the Shan Van \ ogh ; 
What color should be seen where our fathers homes have been, 
But our own immortal green? says the Shan Van ^ ogh. 

What color, etc. 

And will Ireland then be free? says the Shan Van Vogh; 
Will Ireland then be free? says the Shan Van \ ogh : 
Yes! Ireland shall be free, from the center to the sea, 
Then hurrah for liberty! says the Shan Van Vogh. 

Yes! Ireland, etc. 

KATHLEEN BAN ADAIR. 

The battle blood of Antrim had not dried on freedom's shroud 
And the rosy ray of morning was but struggling thro' the cloud; 
When, with lightning foot and deathly cheek, and widly waving 

hair, 
O'er grass and dew, scarce breathing, flew young Kathleen ban 

Adair. 

Behind, her native Antrim in a reeking ruin lies; 

Before her. like a silvery path. Kell's sleeping waters rise; 

And many a pointed shrub has piere'd those feet so white and 

bare, 
But, oh! thy heart is deeper rent, young Kathleen ban Adair. 

And Kathleen's heart but one week since was like a harvest morn; 
When hope and joy are kneeling •round the sheaf of yellow corn; 
But where's the bloom then made her cheek so ripe, so richly fair? 
Thy stricken heart hath fed on it. young Kathleen ban Adair. 

And now she trains a thicket, where the slee and hazel rise: 
But why those shrieking whispers, like a rush of worded sighs? 
Ah, low'- and lonely bleeding lies a wounded patriot there. 
And every pang of his is thine, young Kathleen ban Adair. 

"I see them, oh! I see them, in a fearful red array; 
The yeomen, love! the yeomen come — ah, heaven! away — away! 
1 know — I know they mean to track my lion to his lair: 
Ah! save thy life — ah! save it for thy Kathleen ban Adair.'' 

"May heaven shield thee, Kathleen! when my soul has gone to 

real ; 
May comfort rear her temple in thy pure and faithful breast: 
But to fly them — oh! to fly them, like a bleeding, hunted hare; 
No! not to purchase heaven, with my Kathleen ban Adair. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



33 



KATHLEEN BAN ADAIR— Continued. 
"I loved I love thee, Kathleen, in my bosom's warmest core; 

IS ^Cr^T^\^Tt^l S5.TS thro' their 
Nor noT^hough eating at my heart, my Kathleen ban Adair - 
With feeble hand his blade he grasp'd, yet dark with spoilers' 

And then?" though with dying bound, once ™« «™J v h «* K)d '' 
Rut scarcely had he kiss'd the cheek, so pale, so purely lair, 
When flashed their bayonets 'round him and his Kathleen baa 
Adair ! 

Then up arose his trembling, yet his dreaded hero's hand, 

ind up P arose, in struggling sounds his cheers for ™ '^^^ 

A thrust-a rush— their foremost falls; but, ah! good God! see 

Thy loveSquivering at thy feet, young Kathleen ban Adair! 

But, heavens! men, what recked he then your heartless taunts and 

blows, . , , 

When from his lacerated heart ten dripping bayonets rose T 
And, maiden, thou with frantic hands, what boots it kneeling 

The winds heed not thy yellow locks, young Kathleen ban Adair! 
Oh ! what were tears, or shrieks, or swoons, but shadows of the 

When 'torn was frantic Kathleen from the slaughtered hero's 

breast? . 

And hardly had his last-heaved sigh grown cold upon the air 
When, oh! of all but life they robb'd young Kathleen ban Adair! 

But whither now shall Kathleen fly?— already is she gone; 
The water, Kell, is tempting fair, and thither speeds she on; 
A moment on its blooming banks, she kneels in hurried prayer— 
Now in its wave she finds a grave, poor Kathleen ban Adair. 

GOOD-BY, MIKE, GOOD-BY, PAT. 

The ship will sail in half an hour, to cross the broad Atlantic, 

My friends were standing on the pier with grief and sorrow fran- 
tic ; „ _ 

My trunks were stowed down below in the great ship, Dan 
O'Leary;" . 

The anchor's weighed and the gangway is up, 1 m leaving lip- 
perary. 

CHORUS. 

Good-by, Mike, good-by, Pat, good-by, Kate and Mary, 

For the anchor is weighed, the gangway is up, I'm leaving Tip- 

perary ; 
See, there's the steamer blazing up, I can no longer stay, 
For I am bound for New York City, boys, three thousand miles 

away. 

My portmanteau I have got packed with potatoes, greens and 

bacon, 
If you don't think I'll look after that, in troth you are mistaken. 
If the ship pitch and toss, for a half a dozen farthings, 
I'll take my trunk upon my back and walk to Castle Garden. 

Give my respects to Mr. Mack, and likewise to Mrs. Hagan, 
And I'll come back to the christening, when she marries Patsy 

Fagan ; 
I'm deep in love with Mollie Burke, as a jackass is in clover, 
When I am settled, if she will come, I'll pay her passage over. 



GROVES OF BLARNEY. 



THE groves of Blarney they are *o charming, 

All by the purling of swate silenl brooks, 
All decked with roses, which spontaneous 
grow there, 

Planted in order by the swate rocky nooks. 
Tis there the daisy and swate carnation, 

The blooming pink and the rose so fair, 
Besides the lily and the dafl'y-down-dilly 

Flowers that scent the swate fragrant air. 

'Tis Lady Jefl'ers that owns this station, 
Like Alexander, or Queen Helen fair, 
There's no commander throughout this 
nation 
For emulation can with her compare. 
There's castles round her that no nine- 
potinder 
Could dare to plunder her place of 
strength ; 
But Oliver Crummell he did her pummell 
And made a breach in her battlement. 

There's grand walks there for contempla- 
tion, 
And conversation in swate solitude; 
'Tis there the lover may hear the dove, or 

The gentle plover in the afternoon; 
And if a young lady should be so engaging 
As for to take a walk in their shady 
bower 
'Tis there her courter he might transport 
her, 
To some dark fort or under ground. 

There is the stone that whoever kisses, 

He never misses to grow eloquent — 
'lis he may clamber to a lady's chamber. 

Or become a member of Parliament. 
A clever spouter, he'll sure turn out, or 

"An out-and-outer ' to be let alone; 
Don't hope to hinder him, or to bewilder 
him — 

Sure he's a pilgrim from the Blarney 
Stone. 

'Tis there's the kitchen, hangs many a flitch 

With the maids a-stitching upon the stair: 

Och, the bread and the bis'kie, the beef and 

the whisky, 

Faith! they'd make you frisky if you 

was but there. 

'Tis there you'd see Peg Murphy's daughter 

A--vashing praties foment the door, 
With Nancy Casey and Aunt Delany, 

All blood' relations to my Lord Donough- 
more. 

There's statues gracing this noble place in, 

All heathen goddesses so fair; 
Bold Neptune, Plutarch and Nieodemus, 

All mother naked in the open air. 
So now to finish this brave narration, 

Which I have not the genii for to entwine, 
But were I Homer or Nebuchadnezzar, 

'Tis in every feature that I'd make it 
shine. 



31 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



GILLE MACHREE. 

Gille Maohbee,* sit down by me, 

We now are joined and ne'er shall sever; 

This hearth's our own, our hearts are one, 
And peace is ours forever ! 



When I was poor, your father's door 

Was closed against your constant lover; 
With care and pain, 1 tried in vain 

My fortunes to recover. 
I said: "To other lands I'll roam, 

Where Fate may smile on me, love; " 
1 said: "Farewell, my own old home!" 

And I said: "Farewell to thee, love!" 
Shi'; Gille in" lirce, etc. 



I might have said, my mountain maid, 

Come live with me, your own true lover; 
I know a s] ot, a silent cot, 

\our friends can ne'er discover; 
Where gently liows the waveless tide 

By one small garden only; 
Where the heron waves his wings so wide, 

And the linn, t sings so lonely! 
Sing Gille machrec, etc. 



I might have said, my mountain maid, 

A father's right was never given 
True hearts to curse with tyrant force, 

That have been blest in Heaven. 
Put then, I said : " In after years, 

When thoughts of home shall find her! 
My love may mourn with secret tears 

Her friends thus left behind her." 
Sing Gille machrec, etc. 



0, no, I said, my own dear maid, 

For me, though all forlorn, forever, 
That heart of thine shall ne'er repine 

O cr slighted duty — never 
From home and thee though wandering far 

A dreary fate be mine, love ; 
I'd rather live in endless war, 

Than buy my peace with thine, love. 
Sing Gille machrec, etc. 



Far, far away, by night and day, 

I toiled to win a golden treasure ; 
And golden gains repaid my pains 

In fair and shining measure. 
I sought again my native land, 

Thy fa* her welcomed me, love; 
I poured my gold into his hand, 

•And my guerdon found in thee, love. 

Sing Gille machree, sit down by me, 
We now are joined, and ne'er shall 
sever ; 

This hearth's our own, our hearts are one, 
And peace is ours forever. 

*Crille macltree,—brightener of my heart. 



THE ANGEL'S WHISPER. 

A BABY was sleeping, its mother was weeping, 

For her husband was far on the wild, raging sea, 

And the tempest was swelling 'round the fisherman's dwelling — 
And she cried: " Dei mot, darling, oh! come back to me." 

Her beads while she number'd, the baby still slumber'd, 
And smiled in her face as she bended her knee ; 

"Oh! blest be that warning, my child, thy sleep adorning, 
For I know that the angels are whispering with thee. 

" And while they are keeping bright watch o'er thy sleeping, 
Oh! pray to them softly, my baby, with me— 

And say thou wouldst rather they'd watch o'er thy fa'her, 
For 1 know that the angels are whispering with thee." 

The dawn of the morning saw Dermot returning, 
And the wife wept with joy her babe's father to see; 

And closely caressing her child with a blessing, 

Said: "I knew that the angels were whispering with thee." 

1 ME BATTLE OF FONTENOY. 

Thrice, at the huts of Fontenoy, the English column failed, 
And, twice, tl e lin ;s of Saint Antoine. the Dutch in vain - 
For town and slope were filled with fort and flanking battery, 
And well they swept the English ranks, and Dutch auxiliary. 
As vainly through De Berri's wood, the British soldiers 'burst, 
The French artillery drove them back, diminished, and dispersed, 
The bloody Duke of Cumberland beheld with anxious eye, 
And ordered up his last reserve, his latest chance to try. 
On Fontenoy— on Fontenoy, how fast bis generals ride! 
And mustering come his chosen troops, like clouds ai eventide. 
Six thousand Engl is',, veterans in stately column tread, 
Their cannon blaze in front and flank, Lord Hay is at their head: 
Steady they step i down the slope — steady they' (limb the hill; 
Steady they load — steady they lire, moving right onward still, 
Betwixt the wood and Fontenoy, as through a furnace blast. 
Through rampart, trench, and palisade, and bullets show 

fast : 
And on the open plain above they 'rose and kept their course, 
With readj fire and grim resolve," that mocked at hostile force; 
Past Fontenoy — past Fontenoy, while thinner grow their ranks — 
They break, as broke the Zuyder Zee through Holland's ocean 

banks. 

More idly than the summer flies, French tirailleurs rush 'round ; 
As stubble to the lava tide, French squadrons strew the ground; 
Bomb-shell and grape, and round shot tore, still on they marched 

and fired — 
Fast, from each volley, grenadier and voltigeur retired. 
"Push on, my household cavalry! " King Louis madly cried; 
To death they rush, but rude their shock— not unavenged they 

died. ' 

On through the camp the column trod— King Louis turns his 

rein: 
"Not yet, my liege," Saxe interposed, " the Irish troops remain! " 
And Fontenoy, famed Fontenoy. had been a Water]..!. 
Were not these exiles ready then, fresh, vehement, and true. 
"Lord Clare," he says, "you have your wish, there are your 

Saxon foes! " 
The marshal almost smiled to see, so furiously he gees' 
How fierce the look these exiles wear, who're wont to be so e&y 
The treasured wrongs of fifty years are in their hearts to-day— 
The treaty broken, ere the ink wherewith 'twas writ could 
Their plundered homes, their ruined shrines, tluir women's part- 
ing cry — ' 
Their priesthood hunted down like wolves, their i over- 
thrown, 
Each looks, as if revenge for all were staked on him alone 
Un fontenoy, on Fontenov. nor ever vet elsewhere 
Rushed on to fight a nobler band than these proud exiles were 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



35 



THE BATTLE OF FONTENOY.— Continued. 
O'Brien's voice is hoarse with joy, as, halting, he commands, 
" Fix bay-nets " — " charge," — like mountain storm, rush on these 

fiery bands! 
Thin is the English column now, and faint their volleys grow, 
Yet, ruust'ring all the strength they have, they make a gallant j 

show. 
They dress their ranks upon the hill to face that battle wind — l 
Their bayonets the breakers' foam; like rocks, the men behind! 
One volley crashes from their line, when, through the surging i 

smoke, | 

With empty guns clutched in their hands, the headlong Irish i 

broke. I 

On Fontenoy, on Fontenoy, hark to that fierce huzza! 
"Revenge! remember Limerick! dash down the Sassenagh! " 
Like lions leaping at a fold, when mad with hunger's pang, 
Right up against the English line the Irish exiles sprang; 
Bright was their steed, 'tis bloody now, their guns are filled with 

gore ; 
Through shattered ranks, and severed files, and trampled flags they 

tore; 
The English strove with desperate strength, paused, rallied, stag- 
gered, lied — 
The green hill-side is matted close with dying and with dead; 
Across the plain, and far away passed on that hideous wrack, 
While cavalier and fantassin dash in upon their track. 
On Fontenoy — on Fontenoy, like eagles in the sun, 
With bloody plumes the Irish stand — the field is fought and won! 

PATRICK RILEY. 

My name is Patrick Riley, the truth I will make known, 

And I was born near Clonis, in the County of Tyrone; 

My parents reared me tenderly, having no child but me, 

And with them I lived contented to the age of twenty-three. 

Alas! I took a notion to cross the raging sea, 

In search of some promotion unto America ; 

To seek employment in that land, a fortune to obtain, 

And when I had secured it to return straight home again. 

Alas! I had a sweetheart, McCormick was her name, 

When she heard we were for parting, straightway to me she came, 

Saying: Pat, can this be possible, you're going to prove unkind, 

And leave me broken-hearted in sorrow here behind? 

Dear Ann, I said, be not afraid, it's you I do adore, 

My daily thoughts shall be of you while on Columbia's shore; 

And when I do return again, if God spares me my life, 

Here is my hand in promise I will make you my wife. 

With this she seemed quite reconciled, and home straightway she 

went, 
And early the next morning to Captain Pilot went; 
She swore that I waylaid her and used her barbarously, 
And robbed her of her purse of gold, which proved my destiny. 
The police then soon surrounded me, as you shall understand, 
And marched me off to Liffy jail by the Magistrate's command; 
It's there I lay in irons until my trial day, 
Oh, little was my notion she'd swear my life away. 
On the twenty-first of July last my trial it came on, 
This maid being void of scripture before the Judge did stand ; 
She swore that I waylaid Yier and robbed her of five pound, 
And thought to force her to a pool where she would soon be 

drowned. 
Trie Judge then charged the jury with words that were severe, 
Saying: This maid must now be rightified for all that she did 

swear ; 
The jury gave their verdict, aloud the Judge did cry: 
For your cruelty unto this maid, young Riley, you must die. 
When I received my sentence the tears from my eyes did flow, 
Thinking to leave my mother in sorrow, grief, and woe; 
And she being far advanced in years, having no child but me, 
How will she stand to see her son upon the gallows tree. 



MY NOBLE IRISH GIRL. 

I love thee — oh, that word is tame 

To tell how dear thou art ; 
No seraph feels a holier flame 

Than that which fills my heart. 
How mild and innocent the brow, 

Where thy dark ringlets curl; 
Thy soul is pure as virgin dawn, 

My noble Irish gill. 

I love to gaze upon thy smile, 

Thine eyes so bright ami gay; 
For there's no stain of art or ;:uile 

In aught you think or say. 
The happiest hour that e'er I know. 

Though it my peace may peril. 
Is when thee to my heart 1 drew, 

My noble Irish girl. 

I need not in the herald's book 

My loved one's lineage trace — 
I read her lineage in her lo >k. 

Her record in her face; 
I hear it in each touching I 

That lloats thro' row ii; 

Thou art my queen — my heart's thy throne, 

My noble Irish girl. 

I feel the impress of thy woi 

And strive to be like thee; 
Thou art to me what Heaven's to earth, 

What sunshine's to the se.i ; 
And if from me some luster beam, 

'Mid sin and passion's whirl, 
Tis thy light shines on my life's stream, 

My noble Irish girl. 



ADIEU, MY OWN DEAR ERIN. 

Adieu, my own dear Erin, 
Receive my fond, my last rdieu; 

I go, but with me bearing 

A heart still fondly turn'd to you. 

The charms that nature gave thee 
W T ith lavish hand, shall cease to smile, 

And the soul of friendship leave thee, 
E'er I forget my own green isle. 

Ye fields where heroes bounded 

To meet the foes of liberty; 
Ye hills that oft resounded 

The joyful shouts of victory. 

Obscured is all your glory, 

Forgotten all your former fame, 

And the minstrel's mournful story 
Now calls a tear at Erin's name. 

But still the day may brighten 

When those tears shall cease to flow, 

And the shout of freedom lighten 
Spirits now so drooping low. 

Then should the glad breeze blowing 

Convey the echo o'er the sea, 
My heart with transport glowing, 

Shall bless the land that made thee free. 



36 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE BLACKBIRD. 

It was one tine morning for soft recreation, 
I heard a fair damsel making a Bad moan; 

Sighing and sobbing with sad lamentation, 
Saying my Blackbird mosl royal has 
down. 

My thoughts they deceived me, reflection it 
grieves me, 

I i am o'erburdened with sad misery; 
But if death should blind me, as true love 
inclines me, 
My Blackbird I'll seek out wherever I be. 

Once in fair England my Blackbird did 
ilourisli. 
lie was the chief ilower that in it did 
Bpring; 
! air Indies of honor his person did nourish, 
Because thai lie was the true son of a 
king. 

But, oh! that false fortune has proved so 
uncertain, 
That caus'd the parting between you and 
me; 
Bui if he i main in France or in Spain, 
I'll be true to my Blackbird wherever 
he be. 

In England he seems but a stranger to 

j;e'.her, 
When lie was the most noble and gen'rous 

of heart, 
But woe to the time when ho arrives there, 
Alas! he was son forced from me to part. 

In Italy he beam'd and was highly esteemed, 
In England he seems but a stranger to 

me : 

But if he remain in France or in .Spain, 
All blessing- on my Blackbird wherever 
he be. 

But if by the fowler my Blackbird is taken, 
Sighing and sobbing will be all the tunc; 
'ii if lie is safe, and I'm not mistaken, 
I hope I will see him in May or in June. 

The birds of the forest they all flock to- 
gether, 
The turtle was chosen to dwell with the 
dove : 
So I'm resolved in fair or foul weather, 
i ince in the spring to seek out my love. 

he is my treasure, my joy and my 
pleasure, 
lie's justly beloved, though my heart fol- 
low thee; 
How constant and kind, and courageous of 
mind, 
Deserving of blessing wherever he be. 

[t's not the wide ocean can fright me with 
danger, 
Although like a pilgrim I wander forlorn; 
For I'll find more friendship from one that's 
a stranger, 
More than from one that in Britain was 
born. 



SHAUN'S JIKAD. 

God's wrath upon the Saxon; may they never know the pride 

Of dying on the battle-field their broken spear beside; 

When victory gilds i he glory shroud of every fallen brave, 

Or death no tales of conquered elans can whisper to his grave. 

May every light from cross of Christ that saves the heart of man, 

15c hid in clouds of blood before it reach the Saxon clan : 

For sure, oh, God, and You know all? who-. all 

sufficed, 
To expiate these Saxon sins, they'd want another ( i 



Is it thus, oh, Shaun, the haughty! Shaun, the valiant, thai 

meet? 
Have my cms been lit by heaven but to guide me to defeat S 

1 no chief, or you no clan, to give us both del, n 
Or must I. too, be statuted here with thy cold eloquence? 
Thy ghastly head grins scorn upon old Dublin's Castle to 
Thy shaggy hair is wind tossed, and thy brow seems rough with 

power : 
Thy wrathful lips, like sentinels, by foulest treachery stung. 
Look rage upon the world of wrong, but chain thy fiery tongue. 



That tongue whose Ulster accent woke the ghost of Columbkill. 
Whose warrior words fenced round with spears the oaks of Derrv 

Hill; 
Whose reckless tones gave life and death to vassals and to knaves, 
And hunted hordes of Saxons into holy Irish graves. 
The Scotch marauders whitened when his war-cry met their ears. 
And the death-bird, like a vengeance, poised above his stormy 

cheers ; 
Ay, Shaun, across the thundering sea, out-chanting it your tongue, 
Flung wild un-Saxon war-whoopings the Saxon Court among. 



Just think, O Shaun! the same moon shines on LifTey as on Foyle, 
And lights the ruthless knaves on both, our kinsman to despoil; 
And you the hope, voice, battle-ax. the shield of us ami ours, 
A murdered, trunkless, blinding sight above these Dublin towers. 
Thy face is paler than the moon, my heart is paler still — 
My heart? I had no heart — 'twas yours — 'ticus yours! to keep or 

kill. 
And you kept it safe for Ireland, chief — your life, your soul, your 

pride — 
But they sought it in thy bosom, Shaun — with proud O'Neill it 

died. 
You were turbulent and haughty, proud and keen as Spanish 

steed ; 
But who had right of these, if not our Ulster's chief— O'Neill ? 



Who reared aloft the " Bloody Hand " until it paled the sun, 

And shed such glory on Tyrone, as chief had never done* 

He was •• turbulent " with traitors — he was " haughty " with the 

foe — 
He was "cruel," say ye Saxons! Ah! he dealt ve blow for blow! 
lie was "rough" and "wild," and who's not' wild to see his 

hen I thstone razed? 
lie was " merciless as fire "—ah. ye kindled him— he blazed; 
He was "proud! " yes, proud of birthright, and because he Hung 

away 
"iour Saxon stars of princedom, as the rock does mocking spray, 
He was wild, insane for vengeance — ay! and preached it tilfTv- 

rone 
Was ruddy, ready, wild, too, with " Red Hands " to clutch their 

own. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



37 



SHAUN'S HEAD— Continued. 
"The Scots are on the border, Shaun! "—ye saints, he makes no 

breath — 
I remember when that cry would wake him up almost from deatnj 
\vt truly dead and cold? U, chief! art thou to Ulster lost? 
: - Dost hear— dost hear? By Randolph led, the troops the Foyle 

have crossed! 
lie's truly dead! he must be dead! nor is his ghost about— 
And yea no tomb could hold his spirit tame to such a shout! 
The pale face droopeth northward— ah ! his soul must loom up 

there, 
By old Armagh, or Antrim's glynns, Lough Foyle, or Bann the 

fair! 
I'll speed me Ulster-wards, your ghost must wander there, proud 

Shaun, 
In search of some O'Neill, through whom to throb its hate again. 

THE " HOLLY AND IVY " GIRL. 

"Come, buy my nice, fresh Ivy, and my Holly sprigs so green; 
I have the finest branches that ever yet were seen. 
Come, buy from me, good Christians, and let me home, I pray, 
And I'll wish you ' Merry Christmas Times, and a happy New 
Year's Day.' 

"Ah! won't you take my ivy? — the loveliest ever seen! 

Ah! won't you have my Holly boughs? — all you who love the 

Green! 
Do! — take a little bunch of each, and on my knees I'll pray, 
That God may bless your Christmas, and be with you New Year's 

Day. 

" This wind is black and bitter, and the hail-stones do not spare 
My shivering form, my bleeding feet, and stiff, entangled hair ; 
Then, when the skies are pitiless, be merciful, I say — 
So heaven will light your Christmas and the coming New Year's 
Day." 

'Twas thus a dying maiden sung, while the cold hail rattled down, 
And fierce winds whistled mournfully o'er Dublin's dreary town: — 
One stiff hand clutched her Ivy sprig's and Holly boughs so fair, 
With the other she kept brushing the haildrops from her hair. 

So grim and statue-like she seemed, 'twas evident that Death 
Was lurking in her footsteps— while her hot, impeded breath 
Too plainly told her early doom — though the burden of her lay 
Was still of life and Christmas joys, and a Happy New Year's 
Day. 

'Twas in that broad, bleak Thomas Street, I heard the wanderer 

sing, 
I stood a moment in the mire, beyond the ragged ring — 
My heart felt cold and lonely, and my thoughts were far away, 
Where I was many a Christmas-tide and Happy New Year's Day. 

I dreamed of wanderings in the woods among the Holly Green ; 
I dreamed of my own native cot and porch with Ivy Screen ; 
I dreamed of lights forever dimm'd — of Hopes that can't return — 
And dropped a tear on Christmas fires that never more can burn. 

The ghost-like singer still sung on, but no one came to buy; 
The hurrying crowd passed to and fro, but did not heed her cry ; 
She uttered one low, piercing moan — then cast her boughs away — 
And smiling, cried — "I'll rest with God before the New Year's 
Day! " 

On New Year's Day I said my prayers above a new-made grave, 

Dug recently in sacred soil, by Liffoy's murmuring wave; 

The Minstrel maid from Earth to Heaven has winged her happy 

way, 
And now enjoys, with sister saints, an endless New Year's Day. 



" JENNY, I'M NOT JESTING." 

All, Jenny, I'm not jest in;;. 
Believe what I'm protesting, 
And yield what I'm requesting 

These seven years through.' 
'■ .Mi, Laurence, I may grieve you, 
Yet. if 1 can't relieve you, 
Sure, why should 1 deceive you 

With words untrue? 
But, since you must be courtin', 
There's Rosy and her fortune; 
'Tis rumoured your consortin' 

With her of late. 
Or there's your cousin Kilty. 
So charming and so witty, 
She'd wed you out of pity, 

Kind Kate." 

"Fie! Jenny, since I knew you, 
Of all the lads that, won you, 
None's been so faithful to you. 

If truth were told. 
Even when yourself was dartin' 
Fond looks at fickle Martin, 
Till off the thief went startin' 

For Sheela's gold." 
" And if you've known me longest, 
Why should your love be strongest, 
And his that's now the youngest, 

For that be worst?" 
" Fire, Jenny, quickest kindled 
Is always soonest dwindled: 
And thread the swiftest spindled 

Snaps first." 

" If that's your wisdom, Larry, 
The longer I can tarry, 
The luckier I shall marry 

At long, long last." 
" I've known of girls amusing 
Their minds, the men refusing, 
Till none were left for choosing 

At long, long last." 
" Well, since it seems that marriage 
Is still the safest carriage. 
And all the world disparage 

The spinster lone ; 
Since you might still forsake me, 
I think I'll let you take mo, 
Yes ! Larry, you may make me 

Your own! " 

THE MONKS OF THE SCRLVV. 

When St. Patrick our order created 

And called us the Monks of the Screw, 

Good rules he revealed to our abbot. 
To guide us in what we should do. 

But first he replenished his fountain 
With liquor the best in the sky; 

And he swore by the word of his saintship 
That fountain should never run dry. 

My children, be ohas 1 " — till you're tempted; 

While sober, be wise and discreet; 
And humble your bodies with fasting — 

Whene'er you have nothing to eat. 

Then be not o glass in the convent, 

Except on a festival, found ; 
And, this rule to enforce, 1 ordain it 

A festival all the year round! 



38 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



ERIN'S GREEN SHORE. 
Owe evening, so late, as I rambled 

On the bunks of a clear purling stream, 
i sat myself down on a bed m primroses, 

Anil so gently fell into a dream. 
1 dreamt i beheld a fair female, 

Her i qu. Is l ii.' i ire, 

As she sighed for the wrongs oi b sr country, 

As s ; ;c strayed along Erin's green shore. 

1 quickly addressed this fair female, 

"My jewel, i o;ne tell me your name, 
Eor here in this country, I know, you're a 
stranger, 

Or 1 wouid nut have askid you the same.'' 
She resembled the Goddess of Liberty, 

And oi I reedom the mantle she wore, 
As she sighed for the wrongs of her 
country. 

As she strayed along Erin's green shore. 
''I know you're a true son to Granue, 

And my secrets to you I'll unfold; 
For here in the midst of all dangers, 

Not knowing my friends from my foes, 
I'm the daughter of Daniel O'Connell, 

And from England I lately came o'er, 
I've come to awake my brethren 

That slumber on Erin's green shore.'' 
Her eyes were like two sparkling diamonds 

Or the stars of a cold trusty night; 
Her cheeks were two blooming roses. 

And her teeth of the ivory so white. 
She resembled the Goddess of Freedom, 

And green was the mantle she wore, 
Bound 'round with the shamrock and roses 

That grew along Erin's green shore. 

PADDY'S PASTORAL RHAPSODY. 

When Molly, th' other day, sir, 

Was makin' of the hay. sir. 

1 ask'd her for to be my bride, 

And Molly she began to chide: 

Says she " You are too young, dear Pat." 

Says I, " My jew'l, I'll mend o' that." 

" \ou are too poor," says she, beside; 

When to convince her, then, I tried, 

That wealth is an invintion 

The wise should never miniion, 

And flesh is grass, and Bowers will fade. 

And it's better be wed than die an owld 

maid. 
The purty little sparrows 
Have neither plows nor harrows, 
Yet they live at aise, and are contint, 
Bekase, you see, they pay no rint; 
They have no care nor flustherin' 

ul diggin' or industherin' ; 
Nd foolish pride their comfort hurts — 
For thej" eat the flax, and wear no shirts— 
Eor wealth is an invintion, etc. 

Nature clothes the hills, dear, 
Without any tailor's bills, dear; 
And the bees they sip their sweets, my 

BOWl, 

Though they never h; d a sugar-bowl; 

The dew it fei of dune, 

But 'tis not with a silver spoon: 

Then let us pal I hern I ake : rom 1 1 
The birds and b >se — 

For wealth is an invintion, etc. 



MANTLE SO GREEN. 

As I went a-walking, one evening in June, 

To view the fair fields and meadows so green, 

I -pied a young damsel, she appeared like a queen, 

With her costly tine robes and her mantle bo green. 



1 stood in amaze — I was struck with surprise — 
1 thought her an angel that fell from the skies: 
Her eyes like the diamond, her cheeks like the i se, 
She is une of the lan est that nature composed. 



Said I, Pretty fair maid if you come with me, 

We will join in wedlock, and married will be; 

I'll dress you in rich attire, and you'll appear like a queen, 

With your costly fine robes and your mantle so green! 



She answered ine, Young man you must be refused, 
For, I'll wed with no man, you must me excuse; 
To the green hills I'll wander to shun all men's view, 
For, the lad that I love lies in famed Waterloo. 



Since you are not married tell me your love's name, 
1 have been in battle, 1 might know the same; 
Draw near to nvy garment . and there you will see 
His name is embroidered on my mantle so green! 



On the raising of her mantle, it's there I behold 
His name and his surname, in letters of gold, 
Young William O'Reilly appeared in my view, 
He was my chief comrade in famed Waterloo. 



We fought so victorious where bullets did fly, 
And, in the field of Nervon, your true lover does lie; 
We ought for three days to the fourth afternoon, 
He received his death summons on the 18th of June. 



As he was a-dying, I heard his last cry. 
Were you here, lovely Nancy, content 1 would die- 
Peace is proclaimed, and the truth I'll declare, 
Here is your love's token, the gold ring 1 wear. 



I stood in amazement, the paler she grew, 

She flew from my arms with her heart full of woe: 

To the green hills I'll wander for the lass thai 1 love! 

Rise up! lovely Nancy, your grief I'll removi . 



Oh! Nancy lovely Nancy it was 1 won your heart 

In your father's garden, that day we did paw : 

In your father's garden, within a green shadow tree, 

Where I rolled you in ni\ arms in your mantle BO green! 



This eouide has gol married; I heard people say 

teir wedding day, 
nd the war is all o'er, 
i , arms, lovetj Nancy, once more! 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



39 



THE BANKS OF CLAUDY. 

It was on a summer morning, all in the month of May, 
Down by yon flowery-garden, where Betsey she did stray, 
I overheard a damsel in sorrow to complain, 
All for her absent lover, that plows the raging main. 

I went up to this fair maid and put her in surprise, 
I own she did not know me, I being in disguise 
Said I: My charming creature, my joy and heart's delight, 
How far do you travel this dark and rainy night? 

The way, kind sir, to Claudy, if you please to show, 

Pity a maid distracted, for I have to go; 

I am in search of a faithless young man, Johnny is his name, 

All on the banks of Claudy I am told he docs remain. 

If Johnny was here this night, he would keep me from all harm, 

He's in the field of battle all in his uniform; 

And he's in the field of battle, his foes he will destroy. 

Like a ruling king of honor he fought in the wars of Troy. 

It's six weeks and better since your true love left the shore, 
He is cruising the wide ocean where foaming billows roar; 
He is cruising the wide ocean for honor and for gain, 
I was told the ship was wrecked all off the coast of Spain. 

When she heard the dreadful news she fell into despair, 
To wringing of her hands and tearing of her hair: 
Since he has gone and left me no man I will take. 
In some lonely valley I will wander for his sake. 

His heart was filled with joy, no longer he could stand, 

He flew into her arms, saying, Betsey, I am the man; 

I am the faithless young man whom you thought was slain, 

And since we are met on Claudy's banks, we'll never part again. 

THE GRAVE OF WOLFE TONE. 

In Bodenstown churchyard there is a green grave, 
And wildly along it the winter winds rave; 
Small shelter, I ween, are the ruined walls there, 
When the storm sweeps down on the plains of Kildare. 

Once I lay on that sod — it lies over Wolfe Tone — 
And thought how he perished in prison alone, 
His friends unavenged, and his country unfreed — 
" Oh, bitter," I said, " is a patriot's meed. 

" For in him the heart of a woman combined 
With a heroic life, and a governing mind — 
A martyr for Ireland — his grave has no stone, 
His name seldom named, and his virtut s unknown." 

I was woke from my dream by the voices and tread 

Of a band, who came into the home of the dead ; 

They carried no corpse, and they carried no stone, 

And they stopped when they came to the grave of Wolfe Tone. 

There were students and peasants, the wise and the brave, 
And an old man who knew him from cradle to grave, 
And the children who thought me hard-hearted ; for they 
On that sanctified soil were forbidden to play. 

But the old man, who saw I was mourning there, said: 
" We come, sir, to weep where young Wolfe Tone is laid, 
And we're going to raise him a monument, too — 
A plain one, yet fit for the simple and true." 

My heart overflowed, and I clasped his old hand. 
And I blessed him, and blessed every one of his band. 
"Sweet! sweet! 'tis to find that such faith can remain 
To the cause, and the man so long vanquished and slain." 

In the Bodenstown churchyard there is a green grave, 
And freely around it let winter winds rave; 
Far better they suit him — the ruin and gloom — 
Till Ireland, a nation, can build him a tomb. 



McFADDEN'S PICNIC. 

Near the beautiful town of Killybeys, 

In the county of Donegal, 
The McFaddens, the Maloneys, 

With their children large and small, 
Gave over their daily labor, 

Sorra stroke of work would they do; 
But betook themselves to tne fields and 
wood - 

For to kick up a hubbubaloo. 



There was all the McFaddens, both young 
anH old. 

And Terence O'Flaherty's ni<ce; 
A Imndnd and fifty Maloneys 

Wid a peck of praties a pie 
And Father O'Toole from Carrigalirje, 

The Gilhooleys of Borrisokane, 
And Patsey Maloy, that broth of r boy, 

Wid the ekgaiu Widow Methane. 



'Neath the shade of a tree, by a clear run- 
ning brook, 
On the turf a cloth they s >read. 
The same that generally covered the limis 

Of the young McFaddens in bed. 
Then they <mpticd their packs of the sweet- 
est of cakes, 
And the choicest of bacon and meat; 
And, for two hours, though divil a bit did 
they do 
But drink whisky and gabble and eat. 



By the pipes of McGorrisk they danced and 
sung, 
Like divils, wid mr.d possessed; 
And Father O'Toole, in the widow's em- 
brace, 
Was shaking his foot wid the best. 
Ould Scally, the tai'or, released from his 
goose, 
Had the wife of McFadJen in tow; 
And thev lathered the gravel in style that, 
bedad ! 
Ye can't see in a travelin' show. 



The woods they presented a Leautiful sight, 

All thickened with maidens so swee 
And Mick TTogan a-courtin' O'Flaherty's 
niece 
In a nat • little shady retreat. 
Ould McFadden dead drunk and laid o.it 
like a corpse, 
Wid a dozen Maloneys or more ; 
And the swate little brats playing toy wid 
pot li^ort 
Wid the end of in innocent straw. 



40 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



TO SUSTAIN THE FAMILY REPUTA- 
TION. 

Och, me late lamented dud, an' the only 
one I had, 

famous for his love of Irish 
whisky; 
His shillelah, too, 'tis said, Gad respected 
no man's head 
When me father's temp'rature was 
somewhat frisk. 
Just before the old man died, faith, he 
called me to his side 
And said he couldn't leave the Irish na- 
tion 
Till i promised him I would, sure, do 
everything I could 
To maintain the family reputation. 

Chorus. 

Och, yez may talk o' Ballyhooley, an' of 
Enniscorthy, too, 
And the Killaloe Mounseer's exter- 
mination ; 
Faix, I leave them miles behind, now 
that I've made up me mind 
To maintain the family reputation. 

Sure, me promise I will keep, an' each 
night before I sleep 
If I'm not John Sullivan I'll be disap- 
pointed ; 
An' I swore my ould dad's ghost won't lay 
quiet unless 1 boast 
That daily some one's brain-box I've, dis- 
jointed. 
By the magistrate one day I'll be wanted— 
so they say ; 
Bui his honor, shure, will grasp the sit- 
uation 
When I tell him wid a smile, please, I've 
come to stay awhile, 
To maintain the family reputation. 

Chorus. 

Och, yez may talk o 5 Ballyhooley, an' of 
Enniscorthy, too, 
And the Kilaloe Mounseer's exter- 
mination ; 
But he never went to jail, or drank 
"Guinness" from a pail, 
To maintain the family reputation. 

It's mesilf ye may have seen, down at 
Conn O'Moy's shebeen, 
informing the boys 'twas my ambition 
Some one's batter-box to break — then we 
might enjoy a wake — 
What's more — I didn't mean to ask per- 
mission. 
Gad, I'd hardly said the word, when a loud 
hooroo J heard. 
Jerry Foley yelled, " I'll send you to tar- 

ua ! ion ! " 
He tried — that's all he said; f lit candles 
on his head 
To maintain the family reputation. 



KILL OR CURE. 

I'M a roving Irish boy, I was born in Ballaraghan, 

And christened with much joy, after my father, Patrick Fagan; 

I had a sweetheart, Kitty, and I courted her so gaily. 

Divil a thought I had of trouble as I twisted my shillelah. 

Musha, Kitty O'Shaughnessy. she's the girl for me, 
Whack fal de daddy, musha, O'Shaughnessy. 

Och, 'twas herself I courted, a girl so neat and cozy, 
She said she loved me in return — her cheeks were red and rosy : 
Of sovereigns I had twenty, says she, I've seventeen, 
We'll join ourselves and them together and live like king and 
queen ! 

So we both set sail for Liverpool, and packed our kits together, 
And married got, so neat and cool, in spite of wind or weather ; 
With our money we opened a shop, in business not amiss, 
We sold oysters, haddocks, mack'rel, mussels, praties and fried 
fish. 

In business we did well, till one day she was taken ill, sirs, 
And the doctor always ruined me by sending in his bills, sirs; 
So I made a bargain with him, kill or cure for twenty pounds so 

frisky 
He was a decent sort, so I tho't I'd stand a noggin ot Irish whisky. 

But she grew worse and worse, which made me quake with fear, 

sir, 
The doctor he attended her for more than half a year, sir ; 
Till one fine morn she died, and myself it did bewilder, 
And the doctor he wanted his twenty pounds in silver. 

Spoken— Says I, you never cured her ! No, says he. Then, says I (sing, 
ing) you dare not say you killed her ! 

So, gentlemen, enjoy yourselves, the whisky drink like thunder; 
You cannot help but own yourselves there's mirth in an Irish 

blunder ; 
But when for your wives a doctor you want, mind and yer be 

sure, 
Make the bargain, as I did myself, wid the doe! or, kill or cure. 

THE WEARING OF THE GREEN. 

Farewell, for I must leave thee, my own, my native shore, 
And doom'd in foreign lands to dwell, may never see thee more; 
For laws, our tyrant laws have said, that seas must roll between 
Old Erin and her faithful sons, that love to wear the Green. 
0, we love to wear the Green! 0, hoic we love the Green ; 
Our native land we cannot stand, for wearing of the Green; 
Yet wheresoe'er the exile lives though oceans roll between, 
Thy faithful sons will fondly sing, "The wearing of the Green."' 

My father lov'd his country, and sleeps within her breast, 

\\ liile I, that would have died for her, must never so be blest ; 

Those tears my mother shed for me, how bitter had thej been, 

If I had prov'd a traitor to "The wearing of the Grei 

There were some who wore the Green, who did betray the Green, 

Our native land we cannot stand, though traitors to the G en. 

Yet whatsoe'er our fate may be, when oceans roll bel 

Her faithful sons will ever s'ing, "The wearing of the Green." 

My own. my native island, where'er I chance to roam. 
Thy lonely hills shall ever be my own beloved home; 
And brighter days must surely come, then those that we have 

seen. 
When Erin's sons may boldly sing, "The wearing of the Green." 
For we love to wear the Green, 0, how we love the Grei 
Our native laud we cannot stand, for wearing of the Green; 
But brighter days must surely come, than those thai we have 

seen, 
When all her sous may proudly sing, - The wearing of the Green.'' 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



I 



MOLLY J5HALLAGIIAN. 

Ah ! then, mam, dear, did you never hear of purty Molly Bralla- 

ghan ? 
Troth, dear! 1 have lost her, and I'll never be a man again; 
Not a spot on my hide will another summer tan again, 

Since Molly she has left me alone for to die. 
The place where my heart was, you might easy rowl a turnip in, 
As big as any pavin' stane, and from Dublin to the Devil's Clin; 
If she chose to take another, sure, she might have sent mine back 
again, 

And not leave me here all alone for to die. 

Mam, dear, I remember, when the milking time was past and gone. 
We went into the meadows, where she swore I was the only man 
That ever she could love — yet, oh! the base, the cruel one, 

After all that to leave me here alone for to die. 
Mam, dear, I remember as we came home the rain began, 
I rolled her in my coat, tho' devil a waistcoat I have on; 
And my shirt was rather tine — dran — yet, oh! the base and cruel 
one, 

After all that she has left me here alone to die. 

T went and told my tale to Father McDonnell, mam, 

And thin 1 wint and axed advice of Counselor O'Connell, mam; 

He told me promise-breeches had been ever since the world began, 

Now I have only one pair, mam, and they are corduroy. 
Arrah ! what could he mean, mam, or what would you advise me 

to do ? 
Must my corduroys to Molly go? in troth, I'm bothered what to 

do: 
I can't afford to lose both my heart and my breeches, too — 
Yes, what need I care, when I've only to die ! 

Oh! the left side of my carcass is as weak as water-gruel, mam, 
The devil a bit upon my bones since Molly's proved so cruel, 

mam; 
I wish I had a carabine, I'd go and fight a duel, mam. 

Sure it's better far to kill myself than stay here to die. 
I'm hot and determined as a live salamander, mam — 
Won't you come to my wake when I go my long meander, mam? 
Oh! I'll feel myself as valiant as the famous Alexander, mam. 

Whin I hear yiz crying 'round me: " Arrah! why did ye die? " 



THE COUNTY OF MAYO. 

Ox the deck of Patrick Lynch's boat I sat in woful plight, 
Through my sighing all the weary day, and weeping all the night, 
Were it not that full of sorrow from my people forth I go, 
That 1 must depart for foreign lands, and leave my sweet Mayo. 

When I dwelt at home in plenty, and my gold did much abound, 
In the company of fair young maids the Spanish ale went round — ■ 
'Tis a bitter change from those gay days that now I'm forced to 

K'o, 
Ami must leave my bones in Santa Cruz, far from my own Mayo. 

They are altered girls in Irrul now; 'tis proud they're grown and 

high, 
With their hair-bags and their top-knots, for I pass their buckles 

bj — 
But it's little now I heed their airs, for God will have it so, 
That I must depart for foreign lands, and leave my sweet Mayo. 

"Tis my grief that Patrick Loughlin is not Earl in Irrul still, 
And that Brian Duff no longer rules as Lord upon the hill; 
And that Colonel Hugh MacGrady should be lying dead and low, 
And 1 sailing, sailing swiftly from the county of Mayo. 



THE EXILE OF ERIN. 
There came to the beach a poor exile of 
Erin, 
The dew on his robe was heavy and chill ; 
For his country he sighed when, at twilight, 
repairing 
To wander alone by the wind-beaten hill. 
But the day-star attracted his eye's sad 

devotion, 
For it rose oil its own native isle of the 

ocean, 
Where once, in the fire of his youthful emo- 
tion, 
He sang the bold anthem of Erii 
bragh . 

Oh! sad is my fate, said the heart-broken 

stranger, 
The wild deer and wolf to a covert can 

flee; 
But I have no refuge from famin" or 1; n- 

A home and a country remains ii" 
me. 
Ah! never again in the green shady bowers 
Where my -forefathers lived, shall I s end 

the sweet hours. 
Or cover my harp with the wild-woven fio.v- 
ers. 
And strike the sweet numbers of Erin-go- 
bragh. 

Oh! Erin, my country, though sad and for- 
saken, 
In dreams I revisit thy sea-beaten shore ; 
But, alas! in a far foreign land I awaken. 
And sigh for the friends who can meet me 
no more. 
And thou, cruel fate, wilt thou n -ver re- 
place me 
In a mansion of peace, where no perils can 

chase me? 
Ah! never again shall my brothers embracs 
me — 
They died to defend me, or : ive to de- 
plore 

Where now is my cabin door, so fast by the 
wildwood ? 
Sisters and bi others did weep for its fall; 
Where is the mother that looked on my 
childhood ? 
And where is my bosom friend — dearer 
than all? 
Ah! my sad soul, long abandoned by pleas- 
ure, 
Why did it dote on the fast-fading treasure? 
Tears like the rain, may fall without meas- 
ure, [ call. 
But rapture and beauty they cannot re- 
But yet all its fond recollections suppress- 
ing. 
One dying wish my fond bosom shall 
draw ; 
Erin, an exile, bequeaths thee his blessing. 

Land of my fathers, Erin-go-bragh. 
Buried and cold, when my heart stills its 

motion, 
Green be thy fields, sweetest isle in the 

ocean, 
And the harp striking bards sing aloud wit'i 
devotion, 
Erin, mavouineen, sweet Eiin-go-bra«h. 



4-2 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



ERIN, MY COUNTRY. 

Oh, Erin, my country! although thy harp 
slumbers, 
And lies in oblivion in Tara's old hall, 
With scarce one kind hand to awaken its 
numbers, 
Or sound a lone dirge to the Son of Fin- 
gal; 
The trophies of warfare may hang there ne- 
glected, 
For dead are the warriors to whom they 
were known; 
But the harp of old Erin will still be re- 
spected, 
Y\ hile there lives but one Bard to enliven 
its tone. 



Oh, Erin, my country! I love thy green bow- 
ers, 
No music's to me like the murmuring 
rills 
Thy shamrock to me is the fairest of flow- 
ers, 
And naught is more dear than thy daisy- 
clad hills; 
Thy caves, whether used by thy warriors or 
sages, 
Are still sacred held in each Irishman's 
heart, 
And the ivy-crowned turrets, the pride of 
past ages, 
Though mouldering in ruins, do grandeur 
impart! 



Britanma may vaunt of her lion and armor, 
And glory when she her old wooden walls 
views : 
Caledonia may boast of her pibroch and 
claymore, 
And pride in her philabeg, kilt, and her 
hose: 
But where is the nation to rival old Erin? 
Or where is the country such heroes can 
boast ? 
In battle they're brave as the tiger or lion. 
And bold as the eagle that dies "round our 
coast ! 



The breezes oft shake boih the rose and the 
thistle, 
\V; ile Erin's ureen shamrock lies hushed 
in the dale; 
In safety it rests, while the stormy winds 
whistle, 
And "rows undisturbed 'midst the moss of 
the vale; 

Then, hail! fairest island in Neptune's old 
ocean ! 
Thou land of Saint Patrick, my parent 
agrat 
Cold — cold must Ihe heart be, : 
emotion 
That love-; not the music of " Erin-go- 
Braghl" 



MISTER FIN AG AX. 

I'm a dacent laboring youth, I wur born in the town of Dun- 
shocaklin, 

I'm a widower now in my youth since I buried swate Molly Mc- 
Laughlin; 

I wur married but once in my life, sliure. I'll never commit such 
a sin again, 

For I found out when she wur my wife, she wur fond of one, 
Barney McFinagan. 

CHOBTJS. 

Whack fil lil Ian ta ra le, whack fil lil Ian tar a laddy de. 
Whack fil lil Ian ta ra le, with a ri tol lol lol dil de de dt de. 

Her father had castles of mud, of which I wur fond of admiring. 
They wur built in the time of the flood, for to keep her am - 

dry in; 
When he found I had Molly bespoke, first he got fat and then be 

got thin again, 
In the struggle his gizzard he broke, and we had a corpse of 

McFinagan. 
For convainiance, the corpse was put along with his friends in 

the barn shure, 
While some came to it on foot, while others came down from 

Dunagrinshore ; 
My wife she cried and she sobbed, I chucked her out twice and she 

got in again. 
I gave her a belt in the gob, when I wur knocked down by Mc- 
Finagan. 
The bed and the corpse was upset, the row it commenced i 1 a 

minute, shure. 
Divil a bit of a stick had I got till they broke all the legs of the 

furniture; 
In faith, as the blood flew about, eyes were shoved out and shoved 

in ag'in, 
I got a southwestern clout, which knocked me on top of i tr 

Finagan. 
How long I was dead I don't know, but this I know, I wasn't livin*, 

shure. 
I awoke wid a pain in my toe, for they were both tied wid a 

ribben, shure; 
I opened my mouth for to spake, the shate was roll'd up to my 

chin again, 
"Och, Molly,'' says I, "I'm awake;" "Oh," says she, "you'll be 

buried wid Finagan." 

I opened my eyes for to see — I strove to get up to knock her 

about — 
I found thai my two toes were tied like a spoon in a pot of thick 

st irabout, 
But I soon got the use of my toes, by a friend of the corpse, 

Larry Gilligan, 
Who helped me 'jet into my clothes, for to spread a grass quilt 

over Finagan. 

Och, my she devil came home from the spree, full of whisky and 

om the buryin', shure. 
And she showed so much meTcy to me, as a hungry man shows a 

red bt i rin', shure : 
One billy-go-fister 1 gave, which caused her to grunt and to grin 

again, 
In si- I opened the grave, and slapped her on the bov.es of 

!■" na; an. 
[fs i! i thai I i le le again, ['11 spend my time rakin' and 

ba1 erin', 
I'll go to the fair wid the men, and dance wid the girls for a-pat- 

terin" : 
They'll sv I I am stuck to a lee, and as they say to i 

him ag'in. 
Bel they'll no1 come the cuckle o'er me, for they mij 
Finagan. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



43 



DIGGING FOR GOULD. 

Darby Kelly below in Kilkenny did live, 
A sketch of whose character I'm going to give: 
He was thought by the people a green polished rogue. 
He could was' le the whisky, or wastle the old brogue. 
All kinds of diseases with herbs he could cure. 
He'd interpret your dreams, to be certain and sure; 
By the hoys of the village he often was fool'd, 
For, aslape or awake, he was dreaming of gould. 

He had a fine open house, but the winders were broke, 

The gables were down to let out the smoke; 

Some beautiful pigs, through the wild world to range, 

Though they were thin, they were thick with the mange. 

He was so neglectful of domestic a Hairs. 

The rats ate the bottoms all out of his chairs; 

And the wife by the husband was so overruled, 

\\ hen she axed him for coppers he was talking of gould. 

The house thus neglected, sure nothing went right; 

When a youth of the village came to him ono night, 

A nice boy he was, his name was Dan Mac, 

And ready to fly with the duds on his back. 

All the clothes that he had wasn't enough 

To make him a bolster to stick on a crutch, 

And his juvenile days in a lime kiln were schooled, 

But he used to cod Darby about finding gould. 

Says Dan: Ere last night I had a beautiful dream, 
But bad luck to the doubt! last night I'd the same; 
And to-day, as I dozed, after slacking some lime, 
I dreamt it again for the third and last time. 
Och, murder! says Darby, come tell us your dream, 
Same time his two eyes like buckets did gleam; 
Says Dan: I dreamt at the castle Killcool, 
I found a jar that was crammed full of gould. 

Poor Darby's big mouth opened like a dead Haicke, 
Saying: You'll be a hero, just like your namesake; 
You'll ride in your coach, you fortunate elf, 
While I may be in one going down to the hulks. 
No matter, said Darby, we must emigrate. 
So, come down at midnight, and don't be too late; 
Bring some boys whose courage won't easy be cooled, 
And we'll dig till daylight to find all the gould. 

They arrive at the castle, about one o'clock. 

Where Dan dreamt he found all the gould in a crock; 

They all set to work with picks, shovels, and spades, 

And a hole, that would swallow a house, soon was made. 

Says Darby: Bad luck to the curse we must give, 

Or we'll be beggars as long as we live! 

Says Dan: May the devil on my back be stooled, 

For, I have bursted my breeches in digging for gould. 

The prayers availed nothing, the crock was soon found, 
Tim Rooney he lifted it over the ground; 
With joy Darby leaped on the back of Ned Flail, 
Like a fish from the stream with a hook in his tail. 
Says Darby: My wife won't abuse me to-night, 
When I take home the shiners so yellow and bright! 
I'll buy house and land about Kilcool, 
And we'll all bless the night we went digging for gould ! 

The crock was then placed on Darby's own back 

To carry home, and each man have his whack; 

They arrived at the door with the gould to be sacked, 

When Mac with a spade knocked the crock into smash. 

Poor Darby, near smothered, run in with a fright, 

His wife jumps up to get him a light; 

When she heard Darby mourning her passion was cooled, 

She knew by the smell he was covered with gould! 



DORAN'S ASS. 

Our Paddy Doyle lived in Mil 'a racy. 

He courted a girl named Biddy Toole; 
His tongue was tipped with a bit of blarney, 

The same to Paddy was a golden rule. 
Both day and dawn, she was his colleen, 

When to himself he'd often say: 
What need I care when sin 's my drollen, 

A-coming to meet me on the way': 

Chorus. 
Whack fol de darral ido, whack fol dc 
darrall lal la. 

One heavenly night in last November, 

Paddy went out to meet his love; 
What night it was, I don't remember, 

But the moon shone brightly from above. 
That day the boy had got some liquor, 

Which made his spirits light and gay; 
Arrah! what's the use of walking quicker, 

When 1 know she'll meet me on the way? 

He tuned his pipes, and fell a-humming, 

As gently onward he did jog; 
But fatigue and whisky overcame him, 

So Paddy lay down upon the sod. 
lie was not long without a comrade, 

One that could kick up the hay ; 
For, a big jackass soon smelt out Paddy, 

And lay down beside him on the way. 

As Pat lay there, in gentle slumbers, 

Thinking of his Biddy dear — 
He dreamt of pleasures, without numbers, 

A-coming on the ensuing year. 
He spread his arms out on the grass, 

His spirits felt so light and gay — 
But instead of Biddy, he gripped the ass, 

Roaring out: I have her, anyway! 

He hugged and smugged his hairy messcr — 

And flung his hat to worldly care. 
Says Pat: She's mine, and may heaven bless 
her ! 

But, oh! be me soul! she's like a bear — 
He pu1 his hand on the donkey's nose, 

With that, the ass began to bray: 
Pat jumped up, and roared out: 

Who sarved me in such a way? 

Pat ran home as fast as he could. 

At railway speed, or as fast, I'm sure; 
He never stopped a leg or fool 

Until he came to Biddy's door. 
By that time, 'twas getting morning, 

Down on his knees he fell to pray, 
Crying: Let me in, my Biddy darling, 

Pm kilt, I'm murdered on the ' 3 ! 

He told her his story mighty civil. 

While she prepared a whisky glass, 
How he hugged and smugged the hairy 
devil, 

Go 'long, says she, 'twas Doran's ass! 
I know it was. my Biddy darling, 

They both got married the very next day. 
But he never got back his ould straw hat. 

That the jackass ate up on the way. 



44 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



MORRISSEY AND THE BENICIA BOY.- 

Ye undaunted sons of Ireland, I pray attend awhile, 

To those few lines I have penned down, they will cause you for to 

smile, 
Concerning a great battle fought on Columbia's shore 
By the Benicia Boy and Morrissey, that came from Templemore. 

The Benicia Boy a challenge sent our hero out of hand. 
And said, no man from Ireland before him there could stand : 
Our hero smiled and then replied: "I'll meet you on the plain, 
And for Paddy's land I mean to stand the laurels to maintain." 

Five and twenty hundred dollars the prize it was to be, 

Long Island being appointed in North America; 

Both small and great from every State in multitudes had ran, 

The Americans thought their champion would kill our Irishman. 

When the two gallant champions stripped and stepped into the 

ring, 
Some time they parried each other's blows with many a nimble 

spring ; 
The Benicia Boy drew first blood and knocked our hero down, 
And in the second round they fought they both came to the 

ground. 

The third and fourth the Yank was floored by Morrissey it 

appears, 
The fifth brave Morrissey went down amidst the Yankee cheers: 
They boldly ottered ten to one bright dollars on the ground, 
While the Irish independently they took the bets all 'round. 

Up to the tenth by Morrissey the Yankee down he went, 
The know-nothings all shook their heads feeling sorely discon- 
tent ; 
They shouted to the Benicia Boy, Exert your skill, they cried, 
For our country's credit and our cash on you we have relied. 

'Twas then out spoke brave Morrissey, his voice being loud and 

high, 
For Paddy's land I mean to stand, to conquer or to die: 
Na-bock-lish then all brags you made, I mean to let you know 
That an Irish cock is still true game wherever he does go. 

The eleventh round decided all, the Yank was forced to yield. 
With courage bold undaunted our hero stood the field; 
The Benicia Boy they bore away, he was scarcely fit to stand, 
While Morrissey he cleared the ropes and cheered for Paddy's 
land. 

The Americans may no longer boast, nor Paddy's son's degrade, 
For now they must surrender to our gallant Irish blade; 
With honor now he wears the belt, and the Yankees may deplore 
The day they challenged Morrissey, that came from Templemore. 

MICHAEL DWYER. 

At length brave Michael Dwyer and his undaunted men 
Were scented o'er the mountains and tracked into the glen; 
The stealthy soldiers followed, with ready blade and ball, 
And swore to trap the outlaws that night in wild Email. 

They prowled about the valley, and toward the dawn of day 

overed where the faithful and fearless heroes lay; 
Around the little cottage they formed a ring, 
And called out, "Michael Dwyer, surrender to the king! 

Thus answered Michael Dwyer: "Into this house we came 

Unasked by those who own it, they cannot be to blame; 

Then let those guiltless people, unquestioned, pass you through, 

And when they're passed in safety, I'll tell you what we'll do." 



THE BOYS OF KILKENNY. 

Oh, the boys of Kilkenny are nate roving 

blades, 
And whenever they meet with the nice little 

maids, 
They kiss them and coax them and spend 

their money free! 
Oh, of all the towns in Ireland, Kj 

for me! 

Through the town of Kilkenny there r 

clear stream, 
In the town of Kilkenny there lives a fair 

dame; 
Her cheeks are like roses, and her lips 

much the same, 
Or a dish of ripe strawberries smothered in 

cream. 

Her eyes are as black as Kilkenny's famed 

coal, 
And 'tis they through my poor heart have 

burned a big hole; 
Her mind, like its river, is deep, clear and 

pure, 
And her heart is more hard than its marble, 

I'm sure. 

Oh, Kilkenny's a fine town, that shines 

where it stands, 
And the more I think on it the more my 

heart warms: 
If 1 was in Kilkenny I'd feel quite at 

home, 
For it's there I'd get sweethearts, but 

here I get none. 

KITTY OF COLERAINE. 

As beautiful Kitty one morning was trip- 
ping 
Witli a pitcher of milk for the fair of 
Co'.eraine, 
When she saw me she stumbled, the pitcher 
down tumbled. 
And all the sw< et buttermilk watered the 
pain. 
"Oh, wha shall 1 tlo now! 'twas looking at 
y u now, 
I'm sure such a pitcher I'll ne'er see 
again. 
'Twas the pride of my dairy — oh, Barney 
McCleary, 
You're sent as a plague to the girls of 
Coleraine.»» 

I sat down beside her. and gently did chide 
her 
That such a misfortune should give her 
such pain; 
'Twas the haymaking season — I can't tell 
leave her 
She vowel for such pleasure she'd ! 
it again. 
Twas the haymaking season — I can't tell 
ih ■ reason, 
Misfortunes will never come singly, 
plain, 
L "or very soon after poor Kitty's disaster, 
The devil a pitcher was whole in Cole- 
raine. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



45 



MICHAEL DWYER.— Continued. 
'Twas done—" And now,'' said Dwyer, " your work you may begin; 
You are a hundred outside, we're only four within ; 
WC've heard your haughty summons, and this is our reply: 
We're true united Irishmen, we'll fight until we die." 

Then burst the war's red lightning, then poured the leaden rain, 
The hills around reechoed the thunder peals again. 
The soldiers falling round him, brave Dwyer sees with pride — 
But, ah! one gallant comrade is wounded by his side. 

Yet there are three remaining good battle still to do ; 
Their hands are strong and steady, their aim is quick and true; 
But, hark — that furious shouting the savage soldiers raise! 
The house is fired around them, the roof is in a blaze! 

And brighter every moment the lurid flames arose, 
And louder swelled the laughter and cheering of their foes; 
Then spake the brave M'Allister, the weak and wounded man, 
" Y'ou can escape, my comrades, and this shall be your plan: 

" Place in my hands a musket, then lie upon the floor, 

I'll stand before the soldiers and open wide the door; 

They'll pour into my bosom the fire of their array, 

Then while their guns are empty, dash through them and away! " 

He stood before the foemen, revealed amidst the flame, 
From out their leveled pieces the wished-for volley came; 
Up sprang the three survivors for whom the hero died, 
But only Michael Dwyer burst through the ranks outside. 

He baffled his pursuers, who followed like the wind, 
And swam the river Slaney, and left them far behind, 
But many a scarlet soldier he promised soon should fall, 
For those, his gallant comrades, who died in wild Email. 

BARNEY BRALLAGHAX. 

'Twas on a frosty night at two o'clock in the morning, 
An Irish lad so tight, all wind and* weather scorning, 
At Judy Callaghan's door, sitting upon the palings, 
His love tale did pour, and this was part of his wailings: 

Only say you'd have Mister Brallaghrn, 
Don't say nay, charming Judy Callaghan. 

Oh, list to what I say, charms you've got like Venus, 
Own your love y r ou may, there's only the wall letween us; 
Y'ou lay fast asleep, snug in bed and snoring, 
Round the house I creep, your hard heart imploring: 

I've got nine pigs and a sow. I've got a stye to sleep them, 
A calf and a brindle cow, I've got a cabin to ke >p them; 
Sunday hose and coat, an old gray mare to ride on, 
Saddle and bridle to boot, which you may ride astride on: 

I've got an old Tom cat, although one eye is staring, 
I've got a Sunday hat, a little the worse for wearing; 
I've got some gooseberry wine, the trees have got no riper on, 
I've got a fiddle so fine, which only wants a piper on: 

I've got an acre of ground, I've got it set with praties, 
I've got of backey a pound, and got some tea for the ladies: 
I've got the ring to wed, some whisky to make us gaily, 
A mattress and feather bed, and a handsome new shellelah: 

Y'ou've got a charming eye, you've got some spelling and reading. 
You've got, and so have I, a taste for genteel breeding. 
You're rich and fair and young, as every one is knowing, 
You've got a decent tongue whene'er 'tis set a-going: 

For a wife till death I am willing to take ye, 

But, och! I waste my breath, the devil himself can't wake ye; 

'Tis just beginning to rain, so I'll get under cover, 

I'll come to-morrow again and be your constant lover: 



THE CELTIC CROSS. 

Through storm, and fire, and gloom, I see 
it stand. 

Firm, broad, and tall— 
'I'll:' Celtic Cross that marks our Fa 
land. 

Amid them all ! 
Druids, and Danes, and Saxons vainly rage 

Around its base; 
It standeth shock on shock, and age •> 

Star of a scattered 1 < 



0, Holy Cross! dear symbol of !!:«' 

Death of our Lord, 
Around thee long have slept our Martyr- 
dead, 

Sward over sward! 
An hundred Bishops I myself can count 

Among the slain ; 
Chiefs, Captains, rank and file, a shining 
mount 

Of Cod's ripe grain. 



The Monarch's mace, the Puritan's clay- 
more, 

Smote thee not do .vn : 
On headland steep, on mountain summit 
hoar. 

In mart and town; 
In Glendalough, in Ara, in Tyrone, 

We find thee still, 
Thy open arms still stretching to thine own, 

O'er town, and lough, and I 



And they would tear thee out of Irish s . 

The guilty fools! 
How time must mock their antiquated toil 

and broken tools! 
Cranmer and Cromwell from thy grasp re- 
tired, 

Baffled and thrown; 
William and Anne to sap thy site con- 
spired — 

The rest is known! 



Holy Saint Patrick, Father of our Faith, 

Beloved of God 1 
Shield thy dear church from the impending 
scaith, 

Or, if the rod 
Must scourge it yet again, inspire and raise 

To emprise high, 
Men like the heroic race of other days, 

Who joyed to die! 



Fear! Wherefore should the Celtic prop.'e 
fear 

Their Church's fate? 
The day is not — the day was never near — 

Could desolate 
The Destined Island, all whose seedy day 

Is holy ground — 
Its cross shall stand till that predestined 
day, 

When Erin's self is drowned! 



46 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE ORANGEMAN'S WIFE. 

I wander by the limpid shore 

When fields and llow'rets bloom; 
But, O! my heart is sad and sore — 

My soul is sunk in gloom — 
All day I cry ochone ! ochone! 

I weep fioni night till morn — 
I with that I were dead and gone, 

Or never had been born. 



er dwelt beside Tyrone, 
; nd with him children live; 
T to Charlemont had gone, 
At soi vice there to live. 
O brothers fond! O sister dear! 

How ill I paid your love! 

O father! father! how I fear 

To meet thv soul above! 



My mother left us long a§ 

A lovely corpse was she — 
But we had longer days of woe 

In this sad world to be. 
Mj weary days will soon be done — 

I pine in grief forlorn; 
1 wish that I were dead and gone, 

Or never had been born. 



Jt was tho yp?r of Ninety-Eigh . 

Wreckers came n!oi:t: 
iitey burn d my father's stack of wheat, 
And drove my brothers out; 

fo:ced my sister to their lust — 
God grant my father rest! 
' or the Captain of the Wreckers thrust 
.v baycnet through his breast. 



It was a dreadful, dreadful year; 

And I was blind'y leL 
In love, aid loneliness, and fear, 

A loyal man to wed; 
And still my heart 's his alone, 

It breaks, but cannot turn; 
I wish that I were dead and gone, 

Cr never had been born 



Next year we lived in quiet love, 

And kissed our infant boy; 
And peace had spread her wings above 

Our dwelling at the Moy. 
And then my wayworn brothers came 

To share our peace an 1 rest ; 
And poor lost Rose, to hide her shame 

And sorrow in my breast. 



They came, but soon they turned and fled- 

Prescrve my soul. (lod! 
It was my husband's hand, they said, 

That shed my father's blood. 
All day I cry ochone! ochone! 

1 weep from night till morn; 
And O, that I were dead and gone, 

Or never had been born! 



KERRY DANCE. 

Oh ! the days of the Kerry dancing, oh ! the ring of the piper's 

tune, 
Oh! for one of those hours of gladness, gone, alas! like youth, too 

soon! 
When the boys began to gather in the glen of a summer night, 
And the Kerry piper's tuning made us long with wild delight. 



CIIOKUS. 

Oh! to think of it, oh! to dream of it, fills my heart with (ears: 
Oh! the days of Kerry dancing, oh! the ring of th< \ iper'a tune; 
Uli ! for one of those hours of gladness, gone, alas! like youth, too 
soon. 

REFRAIN. 

Time goes on, and the happy years are dead, 
And one by one the merry hearts are tied ; 
Silent now is the wild and lonely glen. 
Where the bright glad laugh will echo ne'er again. 



Only dreaming of days gone by, in niy heart I hear 

Loving voices of old companions, stealing out of the past once 

more — 
And the sound of the dear old music, soft and sweet as in days 

of yore, 
When the boys began to gather in the glen of a summer night, 
And the Kerry piper's tuning made us long with wild delight. 



Was there ever a sweeter colleen in the dance than Eily More? 
Or a prouder lad than Thady, as he boldly took the floor? 
•' Lads and lasses to your places, up the middle, down again," 
Ah! the merry-hearted laughter ringing through the happy glen. 



I'm lonesome since I crossed the hills and o'er the moor that's 

sedgy ; 
With heavy thoughts my mind is filled, since I have parted with 

Peggy. 
Whene'er I turn to view the place, the tears doth fall and blind 

me, 
When I think on the charming grace of the girl I left behind me. 



The hours I remember well, when next to see doth move me: 
The burning flames my heart doth tell, since first she owned she 

loved me. 
In search of some one fair and gay, several doth remind me; 
I know my darling loves me well, though I left her far behind me. 



The bees shall lavish, make no store, and the dove become a 

ranger ; 
The fallen water cease to roar, before I'll ever change her. 
Each mutual promise faithfully made by her whom tears doth 

blind me, 
And bless the hour I pass away with the girl I left behind me. 



My mind her image full retains, whether asleep or waking; 

I hope to see my jewel again, for her my heart is breaking. 

But if ever I chance to go that way, and that she has not 

resigned me, 
I'll reconcile my mind and stay with the girl I left behind 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



4T 



THE LADS WHO LIVE IN IRELAND. 

My name is Ned O'Manney, I was born in sweet Killarney, 
I can fight, dance, or sing, I can plow, roup, or mow; 

And, if 1 met a pretty girl, I never practise blarney, 

I've something more alluring, which perhaps you'd like to know. 

I'm none of your Bulgrudderies, nor other shabby families, 
But can unto my pedigree a pretty title show: 

Oh! I'm of the O's and Mac's, and likewise the sturdy Whacks, 
That live and toil in Ireland where the apple praties grow, 
That live and toil in Ireland where the apple praties grow. 

I could a deal relate if I could but trace my pedigree: 

My mother w;;s a Hogan, but my father I don't know; 

I've ninety-nine relations in a place they call Roscarberry, 
And each unto their name has a Mac or an O. 

My uncle was a Brallaghan, my aunt she was a Callaghan, 
And as to my character, why, I can plainly show. 

I'm rantin' rovin' blade, and I never was afraid, 

For I was born in Ireland where the apple praties grow, 
For I was born in Ireland where the apple praties grow. 

May Heaven still protect our hospitable country, 

Where first I drew my living breath and heard its cocks to 
crow! 

Adieu to its green hills and its lovely bay of Banty, 
Where many a pleasant evening my love and I did go — 

Where shoals of fish so pleasantly did sport about so merrily. 
Beneath its glassy surface their wanton tricks to show — 

Oh! those scenes I did enjoy like a gay, unthinking boy, 

With the lads who live in Ireland, where the apple praties grow, 
With the lads who live in Ireland, where the apple praties grow, 

St. Patrick was our saint, and a blessed man in truth was he, 

Great gifts unto our country he freely did bestow; 
He banished all the frogs and toads that sheltered in our country, 

And unto other regions it's they were forced to go. 
There is one fact, undoubtedly, that cannot contradicted be, 

For, trace the Irish history, and it will plainly show: 
Search the universe all round, tighter fellows can't be found 

Than the lads who live in Ireland, where the apple praties 
grow, 

Than the lads who live in Ireland, where the apple praties 
grow. 

THE RIVER ROE. 

As I went out one evening, all in the month of June, 
The primroses and daisies and violets were in bloom; 
I espied a lovely fair one, and her I did not know. 
I took her for an angel that was bathing in the Roe. 
Her teeth were like ivory, her skin a lily white, 
Her cheeks as red as roses, her eyes like diamonds bright; 
Her surname I'll not tell, lest you might her know, 
But her master's habitation is on the river Roe. 

I quickly stepped up to her, and this to her did say: 
Are you a goddess, or what brought you this way? 
She answered me right modestly, and said: I am not so. 
I'm but a servant maid that was bathing in the Roe. 
1 said: My pretty fair maid, if with me you'll agree, 
We'll join our hands in wedlock and wedded we will be: 
My father, he's a nobleman, the country well does know, 
And his dwelling lies convenient to the river Roe. 

She quickly made me answer, and this to me did say: 
Inly mistress she is waiting, I have no time to stay: 
I'll meet you to-morrow and my mistress won't know, 
We'll have some conversing on the river Roe. 
They both shook hands and parted, from each other did go, 
In hopes to meet next morning along the river Roe; 
She dressed herself in private, away then she did go, 
Her true love he was waiting along the river Roe. 



PASTHEEN FION. 

O, my fair Pastheen is my heart's delight; 
Her gay heart laughs in her blue eye 

bright ; 
Like the apple blossom her bosom white, 
And her neck like the swan's on a March 
morn bright! 
Then, Oro, come with me! come with me! 

come with me! 
Oro, come with me! brown girl, sweet ! 
And, O! I would go through snow and 

sleet 
If you would come with me, my brown 
girl, sweet! 



Love of my heart, my fair Pastheen! 
Her cheeks are as red as the rose's sheen, 
But my lips have tasted no more, I ween, 
Than the glass I drank to the health of my 
queen! 
en, Oro. come with me! come with me! 
come with me ! 
Oro, come with me! brown girl, sweet! 
And, O! I would go through snow and 

sleet 
If you would come with me, my brown 
girl, sweet! 



Were I in the town where's mirth and glee, 
Or 'twixt two barrels of barley br< e, 
With my fur Pastheen upon my knee, 
"lis I would drink to her pleasantly! 
Then, Oro, come with me ! come with me ! 

come with me! 
Ore. come with me! brown girl, sweet! 
And, O! I would go through snow and 

sleet 
If you would come with me, my brown 
girl, sweet! 



Nine nights I lay in longing and pain, 
Betwixt two bushes, beneath the rain, 
Thinking to see you, love, once again; 
But whistle and call were all in vain! 

Then, Oro, come with me! come with me! 

come with me! 
Oro, come with me! brown girl, sweet! 
And, O! I would go through snow and 

sleet 
If you would come with me, my brown 
girl, sweet! 



I'll leave my people, both friend and foe; 
From all the girls in the world I'll go : 
But from you, sweetheart, never! O, no! 
Till I lie in the coffin stretched, cold and 
low : 
Then, Oro, come with ma! come with me! 

come with me! 
Oro, come with me! brown girl, sweet! 
And. 0! I would go through snow and 

sleet 
If you would come with me, my brown 
girl, sweet: 






SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE RIVER ROE.— Continued. 
When she came up to him he thus to her did say: 
I'm glad to meet you here, my love, on this very day. 
I'm glad to meet you here, love, the way thai 1 will know 
If you're going to wed with me and dwell beside the river Roe. 
She modestlj did answer, and said she was content, 
1 kissed and embraced her, and away both went: 
We were married next ev< Ding, as 3 OU Will shortly know 
She has servants to attend her, and she dwells upon the Roe. 

It was within ten miles of Newton, convenient to the tide, 
You'll find my habitation convenient to the soil, 
You'll see ships from Limerick sailing down the silvery tide, 
And the lads and the lassies sparking along the river side. 
Farewell to friends and parents, and to the flowing quay. 
Likewise my old acquaintance, and 1 have no time to stay; 
Here is health to my own sweetheart, the girl thai you know, 
And we will sing to' the maid that dwells along the river Roe. 

PADDY AT THE THEATER. 

From the county of Monaghan lately I came, 
I'm a tinker by trade, Larry Dooly's my name; 
My cousin, Tim Murphy, I met yesterday, 
Says he, Mr. Dooly'll come to the play .' 
Derry down, down, down, Deny down. 

Is it the play that you mean, are you sure that you're right? 
They're treating the town to Pizzaro to-night; 
But the treat, as he called it, and the one that I mean, 
Bad luck to his treat, it cost me all my tin. 
Derry down, down, down, Derry down. 

Well, the green curtain drew up, and a lady I spied, 
When a man came to kiss her she scornfully cried: 
Get out, you big blackguard, I'll bother your jig! 
When in comes Pizzaro with a grunt like a pig. 
Derry down, down, down, Derry r dow x n. 

In the days of ould Goury, a long time ago, 
The Spaniards claimed war 'gainst Peru, you know; 
They demanded its cash, its jewels and keys. 
When a boy, they called Rowler, says: No, if you please. 
Derry down, down, down, Derry down. 

Then Rowler came in, like a day-star appeared, 
He made a long speech and the sojers all cheered: 
Says he, Beat well the Spaniards, and do the neat thing, 
And then, boys, stand up for your country and king. 
Derry down, down, down, Derry down. 

Then Mr. Murphy Alonzo somehow went to jail, 

He got out by a back door without giving bail ; 
While Rowler was jumping o'er bridges and greens, 
He was shot by some blackguard behind the big screens. 
Derry down, down, down, Derry down. 

Then Rowler came forward, and with him a child. 
Looking all for the world like a man that was wild: 
Here's your gossoon, dear Cora, it's my own blood that's spilt 
In defense of your child, blood an' ounds, I'm kilt! 
Derry down, down, down. Deny down. 

Then Alonzo and Pizzaro had a terrible tight. 
Pizzaro got killed, that seemed perfectly right; 
For the audience came down with showers of applause, 
They were all enlisted in the Peruvian's cause. 
Derry down, down, down, Derry down. 

Then Alonzo came forward and handsomely bowed, 
Saying: Ladies and gentlemen, meaning the crowd, 
By your kind permission, to-morrow, then, 
We will murder Pizzaro over again. 
Derry down, down, down, Derry down. 



BRIAN THE BRAVE. 

Remember the glories of Brian the brave. 

Tho' the days of the hero are o'er ; 
Tho' lost to Mononia and cold in the grave, 

He returns to Kinkora no more. 
That star of the field which so often hath 
pour'd 

Its beam on the battle, is - 
Bui enough of its glory remains on 
sword, 

To light us to victory yet. 



Mononia! when Nature embellish'd the lint 

Of thy Holds and thy mo tntains so fair, 
Did she ever intend that a tyrant should 
print 
The footstep of slavery there? 
Xo! Freedom, whose smile we shall never 
resign, 
( lo, tell our invaders, the D. 

lis sweeter to bleed for an age at thy 
shrine, 
Than to sleep but a moment in chains. 



Forget not our wounded companions, who 
stood 
In the day of distress by our side; 
While the moss of the valley grew red with 
heir blood, 
They stirr'd not, but eonquer'd and died. 
That sun which now blesses our arms with 
his light, 
Saw them fall upon Ossory's plain; — 
O! let him not blush, when he leaves us 
to-night. 
To rind that they fell there in vain. 



THE MEMORY OF THE DEAD. 

Who fears to speak of Ninety-Eight? 

Who blushes at the name'.' 
When cowards mock the patriot's fate. 

Who hangs his head for shame? 
He's all a knave, or half a slave, 

Who slights his country thui 
But a true man. like you. man 

Will till your glass with us. 



We drink the memory of the brave. 

The faithful and the few — 
Some lie far off beyond the wave — 

Some sleep iu Ireland, too; 
All all are gone — but still lives on 

Th ■ fame of those who died — 
All true men, like you. men 

Remember them with pride 



Some on the shores of distant lands 

Their weary hearts have laid, 
And by the stranger's heedless hands 

Their lonely graves were made; 
But. though their clay be far away 

Beyond the Atlantic foam — 
In true men, like you, men, 

Their spirit's still at home. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



40 



THE MEMORY OF THE DEW. -Continued. 

The dust of some is Irish earth, 

Among their own they rest; 
And the same land that gave them birth 

Has caught them to her breast; 
And we will pray that from their clay 

Full many a race may start, 
Of true men, like you, men, 

To act as brave a part. 



They rose in dark and evil days 

To right their native land; 
They kindled here a living blaze, 

That nothing shall withstand. 
Alas! that Might can vanquish Right — 

They fell and pass'd away; 
But true men, like you, men, 

Are plenty here to-day. 



Then here's their memory — may it be 

For us a guiding light 
To cheer our strife for liberty. 

And teach us to unite. 
Through good and ill be Ireland's still, 

Though sad as theirs your fate; 
And true men be you, men, 

Like those of Ninety-Eight. 



MARY OF TIPFERARY. 

From sweet Tipperary see light-hearted 
Mary, 
Her step, like a fairy, scarce ruffles the 
dew 
As she joyously springs and as joyously 
sings, 
Disdaining such things as a stocking or 
shoe; 
For she goes bare-footed, like Venus or 
Cupid, 
And who'd be so stupid to put her in 
silk, 
When her sweet foot and ankle the dew- 
drops bespangle, 
As she trips o'er the lawn at the blush of 
the dawn, 
As she trips o'er the lawn with her full 
pail of milk. 



For the dance, when arrayed, see this bright 

mountain maid, 
If her hair she would braid with young 

beauty's fond lure, 
O'er some clear fountain stooping, her dark 

tresses looping, 
Diana herself ne'er had mirror more 

pure! 
How lovely that toilet — would Fashion dare 

soil it 
With paint or with patches when Nature 

bestows 
A beauty more simple, in mirth's artless 

dimples? 
Heaven's light in her eye — the soft blue of 

the sky — 
Heaven's light in her eye, and a blush like 

a rose! 



O'REILLY THE FISHERMAN. 

As I roved out one evening fair, down by the river side, 
I heard a lovely maiden complain, the tears fell from her eyes; 
This is a cold and .stormy night, those words she then did say, 
My love is on the raging sea, bound for America. 

My love he was a fisherman, bis age was scarce eighteen. 
He was as nice a young man as ever yet was seen ; 
My father he had riches great, and Riley he was poor, 
Because I loved this fisherman they could not him endure. 

John O'Riley was my true love's name, reared near the town of 

Bray, 
My mother took me by the hand and these words to me did say: 
If you be fond of Riley, let him quit this country, 
Your father says he'll take his life, so shun his company. 

Oh, mother, dear, don't be severe, where will you send my love? 
My very heart lies in his breast as constant as a dove. 
(Ill, daughter, dear, I'm not severe, here is one thousand pound, 
So send Riley to America to purchase there some ground. 

When Ellen got the money to Riley she did run, 

Saying: This very night, to take your life, my father charged a 

gun. 
Here i.s one thousand pound in gold, my mother sent to you, 
So sail away to America and I will follow you. 

When Riley got the money, next day he sailed away. 
And when he put his foot on board those words she then did sayr 
Here is a token of true love, and we'll break it now in two, 
You'll have my heart and half my ring until I find out you. 

It was three months after, as he was waiting by the shore, 

When Riley he came back again to take his love away; 

The ship was wrecked, all hands were lost, her father grieved full 

sore. 
And found Riley in her arms, and they drowned upon the shore. 

He found a letter on her breast, and it was wrote with blood, 
Saying: Cruel was my father that thought to shoot my love! 
So let this now be a warning to all fair maids so gay, 
To never let the lads they love go to America. 

THE IRISH HURRAH. 

Have you hearkened the eagle scream over the sea? 
Have hearkened the breaker beat under your lee? 
A something between the wild waves in their play, 
And the kingly bird's scream is the Irish Hurrah. 

I low it rings on the rampart when Saxons assail; 
How it leaps on the level, and crosses the vale, 
Till the talk of the cataract faints on its way. 
And the echoes' voice cracks with the Irish Hurrah. 

How it sweeps o'er the mountain when hounds are on scent, 
How it presses the billows when rigging is renl ; 
Till the enemy's broadside sinks low in dismay, 
As our boarders go in with the Irish Hurrah. 

(lh! there's hope in the trumpet and glee in the fife, 
But never such music broke into a strife; 
As when, as its bursting, the war-clouds cjave way, 
And there's cold steel along with the Irish Hurrah. 

What joy for your deathbed, your banner above, 

And round you the pressure of patriot love, 

As you're lifted to gaze on the breaking array l 

Of the Saxon reserve at the Irish Hurrah. 






50 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF ICELAND. 



THE BLARNEY. 



There's a castle in Dublin, convenient to 
Cork 
And Killarney, Killarney; 
There's a stone in its tower that a wonder 
can work 
And that's blarney, that's blarney. 
There's a neat little village in which stands 

a mill, 
That goes grinding out cloth and that's 

grinding there still ; 
Ami a plaising discoorse you can lain, if 
you will. 
And "that's blarney, that's blarney. 

There are tie-ups and strikes in all parts of 
the land. 
Let them warn yer, yes, wain yer. 
That the rich and* the poor must each one 
understand. 
And no blarney, no blarney. 
For when labor and capital each has their 

right, 
There's no striking by day or no 1 turning by 

night : 
We wall all live in peace without dynamite. 
And no blarney, no blarney. 

Uncle Sam got his dander rize way up on 
end, 
And says, darn yer. y s. darn yer; 
A stout helping hand to ould Ireland I'll 
lend, 
And no blarney, no blarney. 
I've helped with cash, and I've helped with 

corn, 
An 1 I've helped her while starving, dis- 
tressed and forlorn; 
And I'll help her a nation once more to be 
born. 
That's no blarney, no blarney. 

The great statue of Liberty enlightening 
the world, 
Is all blarney, all blarney; 
Though the star-spangled banner is boldly 
unfurled, 
It don't consarn yer, consarn yer. 
Tho' Liberty's torch may light Bedloe's lone 

isle, 
'Tis a will-o'-the-wisp that burns but to be- 
guile ; • 
For 'tis boodle that wins in the end all the 
while, 
And no blarney, no blarney. 

NORA McSHANE. 

I've left Ballymornach a long way behind 
me, 
To better my fortune I've crossed the big 
sea ; 
But I'm sadly alone, not a creature to mind 
me. 
And faith, I'm as wretched as wretched 
can be. 
I funk of the buttermilk, fresh as the daisy, 
The beautiful hills and the emerald plain. 
And, ah! don't 1 oftentimes think myself 
crazy 
About that black-eyed rogue, sweet Norah 
McShane. 



UP FOR THE GREEN. 



the green, oh, the green is the color of the true, 
we'll back it 'gainst the orange and we'll raia 



ise it o'er the 



'Tis 

And we'll back it gainst 

blue; 
For the color of old Ireland alone should here be seen, 
"lis the color of the martyr'd dead, our own immortal green. 
Then up for the green, boys, and up for the green, 
Oh, 'tis down to the dust, and a shame to be seen ; 
But we've hands, oh, we've hands, boys, full strong enough, 1 

ween, 
To rescue and raise again our own immortal green. 

They may say they have powers 'tis vain to o] pose, 

'Tis better to obey and live than sure to die as fo 

But we scorn all their threats, whatever they may mean. 

For we trust in God above us ami we dearly love the green. 

So we'll up for the green, hoys. an. I we'll up for the green! 

Oh! to die is far better than to 1. 

And we've hearts, oh, we've heart-, boys, full i Igh, I 

ween, 
To rescue and to raise again our own immortal green. 

They may swear, as they often did. our wretchedness to cure, 
lint we'll never trust John Bull again, nor le1 his i - allure; 
No, we won't — no. we won't, Bull, for now n ire! 

For we've hopes on the ocean and we've trust on the shore. 
Then up for the green, boys, and up lor tie' green! 
Shout it back to the Sassanach: we'll never sell the green! 
For our Tone is coming back, and with men enough, I ween, 
To rescue and avenge us and our own immortal gre n. 

Oh, remember the days when their reign we did disturb. 

At Limerick and Thurles, Blackwater and Benburb; 

And ask this proud Saxon if our blows he did enjoy, 

When we met him on the battle-field of Frame — at Fontenoy. 

Then we'll up for the green, boys, and up for the green! 

Oh, 'tis still in the dust, and a shame to be seen; 

But we've hearts and we've hands, boys, full strong enough, I 

ween, 
To rescue and to raise again our own unsullied green! 

THE BARD OF ARMAGH. 

On, listen to the lay of a poor Irish harper, 

And scorn not the strains of his old withered hands, 
But remember those fingers they once could move -harper 

In raising the merry strains of his dear native land; 
It was long before the shamrock, dear isle, lovely emblem, 

Was crushed in its beauty by the Saxon's lion paw. 
And all the pretty colleens around me would gather. 

Call me their bold Phelim Brady, the bard of Armagh. 

How I love to muse on the days of my boyhood, 

Though fourscore and three years have Hew by them, 
It's king's sweet reflection that every young joy. 

For the merry-hearted boys make the best of oid men. 
At a fair or a wake I could twist my shillelah, 

And trip through a dance with my brogues tied with straw, 
There all the pretty maidens around me would gather, 

Call me their bold Phelim Brady, the bard of Armagh. 

In truth I have wandered this wide world over. 

Yet Ireland's my home and a dwelling for me. 
And, oh, let the turf that my old bones shall cover 

He cut from the land that is trod by the free ; 
And when Sergeant Death in his cold arms doth embrace, 

Ami lulls me to sleep with old Erin-go-bragh I 
By the side of my Kathleen, my dear pride, oh, place me, 

Then forget Phelim Brady, the hard of Armagh. 






SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



il 



NORAII McSHANE— Continued. 
I sigh for the tirrf pile so cheerfully burn- 
ing. 
When barefoot I trudged it from toiling 
afar; 
When 1 tosa'd in the light the thirteen I'd 
been earning, 
And whistled tne anthem of Erin-go- 
bragh. 
In truth, I believe thai I'm half broken- 
hearted, 
To my country and love I must get back 
again. 
For I've never been happy at all since I 
parted 
From sweet Ballymornach and Norah 
McShane. 

Oh! there's something so sweet in the cot I 
was born in, 
Though the walls are but mud and the 
roof is but thatch ; 
How familiar the grunt of the pigs in the 
mornin', 
What music in lifting the rusty old latch. 
'Tis true I'd no mom y. but then I'd no 
sorrow, 
My pockets were light, but my head had 
no pain ; 
And if I but live till the sun shine to- 
morrow 
I'll be off to ould Ireland and Norah 
McShane. 



KATE OF ARRAGLEN. 

When first I saw thee, Kate, 
That summer ev'ning late, 
Down at the orchard gate 

Of Arraglen, 
I felt I'd ne'er before 
Seen one so fair, asthore, 
I fear'd I'd never more 

See thee again — 
I stopped and gazed at thee, 
My footfall luckily 
Reach'd not thy ear, though we 

Stood there so near; 
While from thy lips a strain, 
Soft as the summer rain, 
Sad as a lover's pain 

Fell on my ear. 

I've heard the lark in June, 
The harp's wild plaintive tune, 
The thrush, that aye too soon 

Gives o'er his strain- 
I've heard in hush'd delight 
The mellow horn at night, 
Waking the echoes light 

Of wild Loch Lene. 
But neither echoing horn, 
Nor thrush \ipon the thorn, 
Nor lark at early morn. 

Hymning in air, 
Nor harper's lay divine, 
E'er witch 'd this heart of mine, 
Like that sweet voice of thine, 

That ev'ning there. 



DARLING OLD STICK. 

My name is bold Morgan McCarthy from Trim, 
My relations all died except one brother, Jim ; 
He is gone a-sojering out to Cow Bull, 
I dare say he's laid low with a kick in the skull. 
But let him be dead or be living, 
A prayer lor his corpse I'll be giving, 
To send him soon home or to heaven, 
For he left me his darlin' ould stick. 

If that stick had a tongue it could tell you some tales, 
How it battered the countenances of the O'Neils; 
It made bits of skull fly about in the air, 
And it's been the promoter of fun at each fair. 
For 1 swear by the toenail of Moses 
It has often broke bridges of noses 
Of the faction that dared to oppose us — 
It's the darlin' kippeen of a stick. 

The last time I used it 'twas on Patrick's Day, 
Larry Fagan and I got into a shilley; 
We went on a spree to the fair of Athboy, 
Where I dance d. and when done, I kissed Kate McEvoy. 
Then her sweetheart went out for his cousin, 
And by Jabers! he brought in a dozen; 
A doldhrum they would have knocked us in 
If I hadn't the taste of a stick. 

War was the word when the factions came in, 
And, to pummel us well, they peeled off to their skin; 
Like a Hercules there I stood for the attack, 
And the first that came up I sent on his back. 
Then I shoved out the eye of Pat Clancy, 
(For he once humbugged sister Nancy) : 
In the meantime poor Kate took a fancy 
To myself and a bit of a tick. 

I smathered her .sweetheart until he was black, 
She then tipped me the wink — we were off in a crack;' 
We went to a house t'other end of the town, 
And we cheered up our spirits by letting some down. 
When I got her snug into a corner, 
And the whisky beginning to warm her: 
She told me her sweetheart was an informer, 
Oh, 'twas then I said prayers for my stick. 

We got whiskificated to such a degree, 
For support my poor Kate had to lean against me ; 
I promised to see her safe to her abode, 
By the tarnal, we fell clean in the mud on the road. 
We were roused by the magistrate's order 
Before we could get a toe further — 
Surrounded by peelers for murther, 
Was myself and my innocent stick. 

When the trial came on, Kate swore to the fact 
That before I set to I was decently whacked ; 
And the Judge had a little more feeling than sense- 
He said what I done was in my own defense. 
But one chap swore again me, named Carey, 
(Though that night he was in Tipperary) ; 
He'd swear a coal porter was a canary 
To transport myself and my stick. 

When I was acquitted I leaped from the dock, 
And the gay fellows all around me did flock; 
I'd a pain in my shoulder, I shook hands so often, 
For the boys all imagined I'd see my own coffin. 
I went and bought a gold ring, sir, 
And Kate to the priest I did bring, sir; 
So next night you come, I will sing, sir, 
The adventure of me and my stick. 



52 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



KATE OF ABBAGLEN.— Continued. 
And when some rustling, dear, 
Fell on i h y listening ear, 
You thought your brother near, 

And named his name. 
I could not answer, though, 
As luck would have it so, 
His name and mine, you know. 

Were both the same — 
Hearing no answering sound, 
You glanced in doubt around, 
"With timid look, and found 

It was not he; 
Turning away your head, 
And blushing rosy red. 
Like a wild fawn you lied 

Far, far from me. 
The swan upon the lake, 
The wild rose in the brake, 
The golden clouds that make 

The west their throne, 
The wild ash by the stream, 
The full moon's silver beam, 
The ev'ning star's soft gleam, 

Shining alone; 
The lily robed in white, 
All, all are fair and bright; 
But ne'er on earth was sight 

So bright, so fair, 
As that one glimpse of thee, 
That I caught then, machree, 
It stole my heart from me 

That ev'ning there. 
Aud now you're mine alone. 
That heart is all my own — 
That heart that ne'er hath known 

A flame before. 
That form of mould divine, 
That snowy hand of thine — 
Those locks of gold are mine 

For evermore. 
Was lover ever seen 
As blest as thine, Kathleen? 
Hath lover ever been 

More fond, more true? 
Thine is ray every vow! 
Forever dear, as now! 
Queen of my heart be thou! 

.l/o c'liVm ruadh ' 

THE GIRL OF DUNBWY. 
'Tis pretty to see the girl of Dunbwy 
Stepping the mountain siatelily — 
Though ragged her gown, and naked her 

feet, 
No lady in Ireland to match her is meet. 
Poor is her diet, and hardly she lies — 
Yet a monarch might kneel for a glance of 

her e\ es ; 
child of a peasant — yet England's proud 

Queen 
Has less rank in her heart, and less grace 

in her mien 
Her brow 'neath her raven hair gleams, just 

as if 
A breaker spread white 'neath a shadowy 

cliff, 
And love, and devotion, and energy speak 
From her beauty-proud eye, and her pas- 
sion-pale cheek. 



IRISH MOLLY, 0! 

As I walked out one morning, all in the month of May, 
I met a pretty Irish girl, and thus to her did say; 
I put my hand in my pocket, as it happened so, 
And pulled out a guinea to treat my Molly, O. 

CHORUS. 

She is young, she is beautiful, Bhe i> the fairest one I know, 

The primrose of Ireland before my guinea go, 

And the only one that me is my Irish Molly, O. 

I said: My pretty fair maid, will you go along with me? 
1 will show you the straight way across the country. 
My parents would be angry if thej should ome 10 know, 
They will lay all the blame to my Scotch laddie, O. — CHORUS. 

When Molly's own father he came to know, 
That she had been courted by a Scotch laddie, (). 
He sent for young .McDonald, and these words to him did say: 
If you court my daughter, Mary, I will send you far away. — 
Chorus.. . 

Since Molly has deceived me, all by her father's ways, 

Through some lonely woods and valleys, it's there I'll spend my 

days; 
Like some poor forlorn pilgrim I wander to and fro, 
It's all for the sake of my Irish Molly, 0. — CHoitrs. 

There is a rose in Dublin, I thought she would be mine. 
For to come to my funeral is all I do require: 
My body shall be ready by the dawning of the day, 
It is all for the sake of my bonny Irish maid. — CHORUS. 

When that I'm buried, there is one thing more I crave. 
To lay a marble tombstone at the head oi > • : 

And on this tombstone a prayer shall be said, 
That young McDonald lies here for his poor Irish maid — 
Chokus. 

Come all you pretty, fair maidens, a warning ta'<e by me, 
And never build a nest at the top of any tree: 
For the green leaves may wither, and the root it will decay. 
And the beauty of a fair maid will s ion fade away. — CHORUS. 

DONNYBROOK FAIR. 

Now it was a Monday morning in the pleasant month of May, 

As myself I took a jolly ride with charming Molly Gray: 

Whose eyes shone like the stars, and her cheeks were like the 

rose. 
I'll tell you all about it, just as my story goes. 

CHORUS. 

But as I drive my jaunting car, I drive away dull care, 
And never can forget the day we went to Donnybrook fair. 

Arrah! Molly had on her Sunday gown, and 1 my Sunday coat, 
It as in my breeches pocket I had a one-pound note, 
With an odd few shillings or so, and the whip was in my hand: 
She jumped upon my Irish ear, and away we drove so grand. 

But Molly and me both agreed to become man and wife, 
So the best we try in every way to be happy all our life; 
Or should the times be good or bad, we drive away dull care, 
We never shall forget the day we went to Donnybrook fair. 

So fill the glasses full, my friends, and give one toast with me; 
Here's success to dear old Ireland, the bright gem of the sea! 
Let us hope the day is drawing nigh, and may we live to see 
That poor, down-trodden Emerald Isle a land of liberty. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



53 



THE GIRL OF DTTNBWY— Continued. 
But pale as her cheek is, there's fruit on her lip, 
And her teeth Hash as white as the crescent 

moon's tip, 
And her form and her step, like the red 

deer's go past — 
As lightsome, as lovely, as haughty, as fast. 



THE IRISH REFUGEE. 



I saw her but once, and I looked n her eye, 

And she knew that I worshipped in passing 

her by; 
The saint of the wayside— she granted my 

prayer, 
Though we spoke not a word, for her mother 
was there. 

I can never think upon Bantry' bright hills, 
But her image starts up, and my longing 

eye fills; 
And I whisper her softly, "Again, love, 

we'll meet, 
And I'll lie in your bosom, and live at your 

feet." 

WIDOW MACHREE. 

Widow Maciiree, pray then open your door, 

Och, hone! widow Maehree, 
And show me the easiest plank in your floor, 
Och, hone! widow Maehree, 

Ye have nothing to fear, 
1 tell you, my dear, 
Not a sound can ye hear 
In sleep coming from me; 
Barrin' that I should creep, 
Or walk in my sleep, 
Och, hone! widow Maehree. 

Widow Maehree, for the third and last time, 

Och, hone! widow Maehree, 
Will you listen to reason that's seasoned with 
rhyme ? 
Och, hone! widow Maehree. 

Just think of the time 
When you'd get past your prime, 
Would you think it a crime 
That you cheated mankind 
Of what nature designed? 

Darlin' widow Maehree, will you fully explain, 

Och, hone! widow Maehree, 
For the good of your conscience and soul, what 
I mean '.' 
Och, hone ! widow Maehree. 

Didn't old Adam loan 
From his rib a back-bone 
To manufacture, och, hone! 
For posterity 

The first female, man? 
Deny that .if you can. 
Och, hone! wjdow Maehree. 

Widow Maehree. pay your debts, fie for shame, 

Och, hone! widow Maehree, 
As you owe man a rib, I lay claim to that same, 
Och, hone! widow Maehree. 

And by paying the debt, 
You'll draw interest yet. 

And an armful you'll get 
Of that same property ; 

Shall bo yours while life bides, 
And a great deal besides, 
Och, hone! widow Maehree. 



Fake you well, poor Erin's Isle! 1 now must leav< you for i 

while, 
The rents and taxes are so high, I can no longer stay ; 
From Dublin's quay 1 sailed away and landed here but yesterday; 
Me shoes and breeches and shirts now are all that's in my kit. 
1 have dropped in to tell you now the sights I have seen before I 

go, 
Of the ups and downs in Ireland since the year of ninety-eight ; 
But if that nation had its own her noble sons might stay a home, 
But since fortune has it otherwise poor Pat must emigrate. 

The devil a word I would say at all, although our wages are but 

small, 
If they left us in our cabins, where our fathers drew their breath ; 
When they call upon rent day and the devil a cent you haven't to 

pay, 

They will drive you from your house and home to beg ana 

starve to death. 
What kind of treatment, boys, is that to give an honest Irish Pat? 
To drive his family to the road to beg and starve for meat? 
But I stood up with heart and hand and sold my little spot of 

land. 
That is the reason why I left and had to emigrate. 

Such sights as that I've often seen, but I saw worse in Skibareen, 
In 'Forty-eight (that time is no more), when famine it was great ; 
I saw fathers, boys, and girls with rosy cheeks and silken curls, 
All a-missing and starving for a mouthful of food to eat. 
When they died at Skibareen no shrouds or cotlins were to be seen, 
But patiently reconciling themselves to their desperate, horrid 

fate — 
They were thrown in graves by wholesale which caused many an 

Irish heart to wail — 
And caused many a boy and girl to be most glad to emigrate. 

Where is the nation or the land that reared such men as Paddy's 

land? 
Where is the man more noble than he they called poor Irish Pat? 
We have fought for England's queen and beat her foes wherever 

seen ; 
We have taken the town of Delhi, if you please, come tell me that! 
We have pursued the Indian chief and Nena Sahib, that cursed 

thief, 
Who skivered babes and mothers and left them in their gore; 
But why should we be so oppressed in the land St. Patrick 

blessed? 
The land from which we love the best poor Paddy must emigrate. 

There is not a son from Paddy's land but respects the memory of 

Dan, 
Who fought and struggled hard to part that poor and plunder'd 

country. 
He advocated Ireland's rights with all his strength and might, 
And he was but poorly recompensed for all his toil and pains. 
He told us for to be in no haste, and in him for to place our 

t rust, 
And he would not desert us or leave us to our fate; 
But death to him no favor showed, from the legging to the 

throne. 
Since they took our liberator poor Pat must emigrate. 

With spirits bright and purses light, my boys, we can no lorn ■;• 

stay, 
For the Shamrock is immediately bound for America ; 
For there is bread and worth which I cannot pet in Donegal, 
1 told the truth, by great Saint Ruth, l) lieve me what 1 say. 
Good night, my boys, with hand and heart, all you who take old 

Ireland's part. 
T can no longer stay at home, for fear of being ton late; 
If ever again I see this land I hope it will be with a Fenian band, 
So God be with old Ireland, poor Pat must emigrate! 



54 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



BONNY HUSH BOY. 

His name I love to mention, in Ireland he was born, 
I loved him very dearly, but alas! from me lie's gone; 
He's gone to America, he promised to send for me, 
But the face of my bonny Irish boy 1 can no longer see. 

It was in Londonderry that city of note and fame, 
Where Ersl my bonny Irish lad a-courting to me came. 

told me pleasant stories, and said his bride 1 d be, 
But the face of my bonny Irish boy I can no longer see. 

I engaged my passage for New York. and. on arriving there, 
To seek and find my Irish boy I quickly did prepare; 
I searched New York and Providence, and Boston, all in vain, 
But the face of my bonny Irish boy was nowhere to be seen. 

I went to Philadelphia, and from there to Baltimore, 
I searched the State of Maryland, I searched it o'er and o'er. 
I prayed that I might iind him, wherever he might be, 
But the face of my bonny Irish boy I could no longer see. 

One night as I lay in my bed, I dreamt I was his bride. 
And sitting on the Blue Bell Hill, and he sat by my side. 
A-gathering primroses, like the happy days of yore, 
I awoke quite broken-hearted in the city of Baltimore. 

Early then next morning a knock came to my door, 
I heard his voice, T knew it was the lad I did adore; 
I hurried up to let him in, I never felt such joy 
As when I fell into the arms of my darling Irisn boy. 

Now that we are married, he never shall go to ssa, 
He knows 1 love him dearly, and I'm sure that he loves me: 
My first sweet son is called for him, my heart's delight and joy, 
He's the picture of his father, he's a darling Irish boy. 

Farewell to Londonderry, I ne'er shall see you more, 

Ah, many a pleasant night we spent around the sweet Lone Moor; 

Our pockets were light, our hearts were good, we longed to be 

free, 
And talked about a happy home and the land of liberty. 

CROOSKEEN LAWN. 

Let the farmer praise his grounds, as the hunter does his hounds, 

And the shepherd his sweet-scented lawn, 
While I, more blest Than they, spend each happy night and day 

With my smiling little crooskeen lawn, lawn, lawn. 
Oh, my smiling little crooskeen lawn, 

Leante ruma crooskeen, 

Sl< ante gar, mavourneen, 

Agus gramachree, ma colleen, ban, ban, ban 

Agus gramachree, ma colleen, ban. 

In court with manly grace, should Sir Toby plade his case, 

And the merits of his cause made known, 
Without his cheerful glass he'd be stupid as an ass. 

So he takes a little crooskeen lawn. 

Then (ill your glasses high, let's not pari with lips so dry, 

Though 'he lark should proclaim it is dawn: 
But if we can't remain, may we shortly meet again 

To fill another crooskeen lawn. 

And when grim death appears, after few but happy years. 

And tells me my glass it is run. 
I'll si lave, for great Bacchus gives me lave 

Just to fill another crooskeen lawn. 



MOLLEEN OGE. 

MoiXEEN oge, my Molleen oge. 
Go put on your natest brogue, 

And slip into your smartest _own, 
You rosy little rogue; 
For a message kind 1 bear 
To yourself from ould A lair, 
That Pat the pip around, 

And there'll 1> • danein' there. 

oh. my Molleen, 

( )h. my colleen, 

We'll dance to Pat, 

And after that 
Collogue upon one chair. 

Molleen. ('car. I'd not presume 

To encroach into your room. 
But I'd forgo! a fairin' 

I'd brought you from Macroom; 

So open, and 1 swear 

Not one peep upon you — there! 
'Tis a silver net to gather 

As the ulass your golden hair. 
Oh, my Moil-- n. i 

MoUccn pet — my Molleen pet, 

Faix, I'm fairly in a fret 
At the time you're tittivatin'. 

Mollehx, aren't you ready yet? 

Now net. and gown, and brogue, 

Are you sure you're quite the vogue? 
But, bedad, you loo's mi lovely, 

I'll forgive you, Molleen oge. 

Oh. my Molleen. 

Ob. my colleen, 

We'll dance to Pat, 
And after that 
Upon one chair collogue. 

THE MEETING OF THE WATERS. 

There is not in the wide world a valley so 
sweet 

As the vale in whose bosom the bright waters 
meet : 

Oh, the last rays of feeling and life must de- 
part. 

Ere the bloom from that valley shall fade 
from heart. 

Yet it was not that nature had shed o'er the 

scene 
Her purest of crystal and brightest of green, 
It was not her soft magic of streamlet or hill — 
Oh. no: it was something more exquisite still. 

"f\vas that friends, the beloved of my bosom, 

Wel'e n< ir. 

Who made every scene of e enl move 

dear, 
Ami who fell how the besl charms of nature 

improve 
When we see them reflected from looks that we 

lo\ e. 

Sweel vale of ^voca, how calm could I real 
In tl. of shade, with the friends I love 

vVh re 'he storms that we fee: \n this cold 

Id should cease. 
Anil our hearts, like thy waters, le mingled in 

peace. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



55 



KITTY NEIL. 

" Ah, sweet Kitty Neil, rise up from your 
wheel ; 
Your neat little foot will be weary from 
spinning. 
Come, trip down with me to the sycamore 
tree — 
Half the parish is there, and the dance is be- 
ginning. 

" The sun is gone down, but the full harvest- 
moon 
Shines sweetly and cool on the dew-whitened 
valley; 
While all the air rings with the soft, loving 
things 
Each little bird sings in the green, shaded 
alley." 

With a blush and a smile Kitty rose up, the 
while 
Her eyes in the glass, as she bound her hair, 
glancing. 
'Tis hard to refuse when a young lover sues ; 
So she could not but choose to go off to the 
dancing. 

And now on the green the glad groups are 
seen — 
Each gay-hearted lad with the lass of his 
choosing ; 
And Pat, without fail, leads out sweet Kitty 
Neil — 
Somehow, when he asked, she ne'er thought 
of refusing! 

Now Felix Magee puts his pipes to his knee, 
And with flourish so free sets each couple in 

motion ; 
With a cheer and a liound the lads patter the 

ground ; 
The maids move around, just like swans on the 

ocean. 

Cheeks bright as the rose — feet light as the 
doe's, 
Now coyly retiring, now boldly advancing: 
Search the world all around, from the sky to 
the ground — 
No such sight can be found as an Irish lass 
dancing. 

Sweet Kate, who could view your eyes of deep 
blue 
Beaming humidly through their dark lashes 
so mildly, 
Your fair-turned arm, heaving breast, rounded 
form, — 
Nor feel his heart warm and his pulses throb 
wildly? 

Poor Pat feels his heart, as he ga/.es, depart, 
Subdued by the smart of such painful yet 
sweet love: 
The sight leaves his eye, as he cries, with a 
sigh : 
" Dance light, for my heart it lies under your 
feet, love! ' 



THE FENIAN'S ESCAPE. 

Now, boys, if you will listen to the story I'll relate, 
I'll tell you of the noble men who from the foe escaped; 
Though bound with ^ixon fetters in the dark Australian jail. 
They struck a blow for freedom, and lor Yankee land set sail, 
On the 17th of April last the Stars and Stripes did lly 
On board the bark "Catalpa," waving proudly to the sky: 
She showed the green above the red, as she did calmly lay 
Prepared to take the Fenian boys in safety o'er the sea. 

When Breslin and brave Desmond brought the prisoners to the 

shore 
They gave one shout for freedom — soon to bless them evermore — 
And manned by gallant hearts, they pulled toward the Yankee 

flag, 
For well they knew, from its proud folds no tyrant could (hem 

drag. 
They have nearly reached in safety the " Catalpa," taut and trim, 
When fast approaching them they saw a vision dark and dim; 
It was the steamer " Georgette," and on her d ek there stood 
One hundred hired assassins, to shed each patriot's blood. 

The steamer reached the bounding bark and fired across her bow, 

Then in loud voice commanded that the vessel should heave to; 

But noble Captain Anthony, in thunder tones did cry : 

You dare not fire a shot at that bright flag that floats on highj 

My ship is sailing peacefully beneath that Hag of stars, 

It's manned by Irish hearts of oak, and manly Yankee tars: 

And that dear emblem at the fore, so plain now to be seen, 

'Tis the banner I'll protect, old Ireland's flag of green. 

The Britisher he sailed away — from the stars and stripes he ran — 
He knew his chance was slim to tight the boys of Uncle Sam : 
So Hogan, Wilson, Harrington, with Darragh off did go, 
With Hassett and bold Cranston, soon to whip the Saxon Foe. 
Here's luck to that noble Captain, who well these men did free, 
He dared the English man-of-war to fight him on the sea. 
And here's to that dear emblem which in triumph shall be seen, 
The flag for which those patriots fought, dear Ireland's flag of 
green. 

LARRY O'GAFF. 

Neak a bog in sweet Ireland, I am told, sure there lorn 1 was, 

Well I remember a bright Monday morn it was; 

My daddy, poor man, would cry: What a greenhorn I was — 
Three months I am married, hurrah! how thej laugh. 

Says he to my mother: Troth, Judy, I'll leav u joy. 

Says Judy to him: Oh! the devil may car< , my boy. 

By St. Patrick, I'll leave you both here to v ' cry, 

What shall we do for our daddy O'Gaff? 
With my didrewhack off I am, none of your blarney, man, 
Keep your brat to your chat all the day so you may; 
By the powers! I won't tarry; so he left little Larry, 
I never saw more of my daddy O'Gaff. 

Ocli! it's then I grew up, and a sweet looking child I was, 

Always the devil for handling the stick I wis; 

But somehow or other, my numbskull so thick it was. 
Go where I would, all the folks they did laugh. 

I rambled to England, where I met with a squad of boys. 

They got me promoted to carry the hod, my boys; 

I crept up a ladder like a cat newly shod, my boys, 
A steep way to riches, says Larry O'Gaff. 
With my didrewhack in and out. head turning round about, 
Ladder crack, break your back, tumble down, crack your crown. 
My dear Mr. Larry, this hod that you carry 
Disgraces the shoulders of Mr. O'Gaff. 



56 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



LARRY O'GAFF.— Continued. 
They made me a master, then dressed like a fop I was, 
Bran new and span new from bottom to top 1 was; 
dial the old fellow popt iii as taking a drop 1 was, 

Says he: Mr. Larry, you bog-trotting calf, 
Get out of my house, or I'll lay this about your back; 
With the twig in his hand like the mast of a herring smack, 
Over my napper he made the switch for to crack: 
Said ) : This don't suit you, Mr. O'Gaff. 
With my didrewhack hub bub bo, drums beating row de row, 

do's my life plays the fife, Patrick's day, lire away; 
in the army so frisky, we'll tipple the whisky, 
With the whack for ould Ireland and Larry O'Gaff. 

Then they made me a soldier, inut, oh! how genteel I was! 
3i arlet and tapes from the neck to the heels I was; 
Larry, says I, when brought into the field I was, 

This sort of fighting don't suit you by half. 
We foughl like the devil, as Irishmen ought to do, 
So sweetly we beat Mr. Bony at Waterloo; 
But now the wars are over, and peace we've brought home to 
you, 
Welcome to old Ireland and Larry O'Gaff. 
With my didrewhack save my neck, round and sound free from 

wound, 
With a wife io spend my life, sport and play, night and day; 
Arrah with your blarney, for the breed of the Carneys, 
Would fight for old Ireland and Larry O'Gaff. 

YELLOW MEAL. 

As I walked one morning down by the Sligo dock, 

1 overheard an Irishman conversing with Tapscott; 

Good morning, Mr. Tapscott, would you be after telling to me, 
Have you ever a ship bound for New York in the State of Amer- 
ikee? 

Oh, yes, my pretty Irish boy, I have a ship or two, 
They're laying at the wharf there, waiting for a crew; 
They are New York Packets, and on Friday they will sail, 
At present she is taking in one thousand bags of meal. 

Straightway then I started, 'twas on the yellow-grog road, 
Such roars of mille-murder ! oh, the like was never known; 
And there I paid my passage down in solid Irish gold. 
It's often times that I sat down and wished myself at home. 

The very day we started, 'twas on the first of May, 
The Captain he came upon the deck, these words to us did say: 
Cheer up, my hearty Irish blades, don't let your courage fail, 
To-day I'll serve you pork and beans, to-morrow yellow meal. 

One day as we were sailing- in the Channel of St. James, 
A northwest wind came up to us and drove u^ back again; 
Bad luck to the Josh. A. Walker, and the day that she set sail, 
Likewise to Captain Tapscott, and his dirty- yellow meal. 

And then I went to Liverpool, walking thro' the street. 

a penny in my pocket, not a mouthful lor to cat ; 
Bad luck to the Josh. A. Walker, and the day thai she set sail, 

the dirty sailors broke open my chest and stole my yellow 
meal. 

Bu1 now I'm in America, and working upon the canal. 
To cross the stream in one of these boats, I know I never shall; 
But I'll cross if in a greal big ship that carries both meat and 
sail. 

Where I'll get lashings of corned meat and none of your yellow 
meal ! 



HURLING OF THE GREEN. 

'Twas night. On Antietam's height 

The weary warriors lav. 
Tired, where the long and bloody fight 

Had tried their worth that day. 
Darkness had stilled the strife's alarm, 
Though streams of life-blood yet were warm, 

Where the drowsy out-post sank, 
And shook his sleeping comrade's arm: 

" You're surely dreaming, Frank.'' 

The startled sleeper gazed toward 

The camp-fire's waning glow; 
"Where are we?" "Here on the sloping 
sward; 

And the beaten foe below." 
"'Thunder! I dreamed of Ireland, lad, 
And a hurling-match." " Well, our foes have 
had 

Full plenty of that I ween." 
" But I dreamed we to^ed the ball like mad 

On a fair broad Irish green." 

" Ah, Frank, full many a ball we've hurled, 

And many a head to-day. 
The game we've played with our flag unfurled 

Is the game / love to play ; 
When that glorious flag at our front floats out, 
And with rifle clubbed, and with ringing shout, 

We spring 'neath its emerald sheen. 
And scatter the foes like a rabble-rout, 

On the crimson-dappled green! " 

" Shall we ever again see Ireland, Frank, 

And play upon Irish ground, 
This glorious game, where our brethren sank 

In the death of the starved hound? 
On our side Erinn,* our island mother. 
Each hurler true as a sworn brother; 

Blither game had ne'er been seen 
Than I hope to play some day or other 

To the goal of an Irish green! " 

The foe was gone with the morning's light, 

And the flag of emerald hue 
Waved proudly above the wooded height, 

Begemmed with the morning's dew". 
And o'er many a fight did that banner wave, 
And o'er many an Irish warriors grave 

Its mourning folds were seen : — 
But how many of all that phalanx brave 

Will again see an Irish green? 

* Lire ar taev-ne ; a frequent cry at Irish hurline 
matches ° 

THE SHAMROCK AND LAUREL. 

Tiiere's a lofty love abounding 

In the emblem of a land ; 
There's fellowship confounding 

The evil mind and hand : 
In the token of a nation. 

In the llow'rel of a race: 
And a multiform oblation 
Is uplifted by the grace 
And patriotism of millions — 

To the hearthstones and hamlets 
Where gush the native fountains; 
To the valleys and the streamlets, 
The cities and the mountains — 
With a pride as high as I lion's! 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



57 



THE SHAMRI »CK AND LAUREL— Continued. 
As the lily was the glory 

01 the olden Hag of France; 
As the rose illumes the story 

Of the Albion's advance — 
In the shamrock is communion 

Of all Irish faith and love; 
And the laurel crown-, the union 

Of grandeurs interwove 
'Round the temple of the chain! - 
To the laurel fill libation.-, 

The cup with shamrocks wreathing; 
And before the monarch-nations 

Raise the symbol, breathing: 
"Equal Rights"— to lordlings gainless! 

Interweave the lowly shamrock, 

Freedom's laurel to endow ; 
Ay ! unite with Ireland s shamrock 

Columbia's laurel bough — 
For there's hope and help unchary 

Columbia's skies beneath, 
And from every cliff and prairie, 

To Erin's hills of heath, 
Salutations, clear and cheerful, 
Resound across the ocean ; 

And Celts, in might increasing. 
With patriot emotion, 

Vow in their souls unceasing: 
" We'll avenge thee, Mother Tearful ! " 

THE DEAR IRISH BOY. 

May Connor's cheeks are as ruddy as morn ; 

The brightest of pearls but mimic his teeth; 

While nature with ringlets his mild brow 

adorn, 

His hair's Cupid's low strings, and roses his 

breath. 

Chortjs. 

Smiling, beguiling, cheering, endearing, 
Together oft o'er the mountain we've 

strayed ; 
By each other delighted, and fondly united, 
I've listened all day to my dear Irish boy. 

No roebuck more swift can flee o'er the moun- 
tain, 
No Briton bolder 'midst danger or scar; 
He's sightly, he's rightly, he's as clear as the 
fountain, 
His eye's twinkling love, and he's gone to the 
war. 

The soft tuning lark its notes sh'al cease to 
mourning, 
The dull screaming owl shall cease its night's 
sleep ; 
While seeking lone walks in the shades of the 
evening. 
If my Connor return not, I'll ne'er cease to 
weep. 

The war is all over, and my love is not return- 
ing, 

I fear that some envious plot has been laid; 
Or some cruel goddess has him captivated, 

And left r.,c to mourn here, a dear Irish maid. 



THAT ROGUE, REILLY. 

There's a boy that follows me every day, although he declares 

that 1 use him vilely, 
But all 1 can do he won't go away, this obstinate, ranting Reillyj 
In every streel 'tis him I meet, in vain the byway path 1 try, 
The very shadow of my feet, 1 might as well attempt to fly, 
As that boy that follows me every day, although he declare: 

J usi' him vilely. 
Yet all 1 can say he won't go away, that raking, ranting l: ■ 

My mother she sent me ten miles away in hopes that the t How 
would never find me ; 

But the verj' next day we were making hay the villain stood 
close behind me; 

For this, says I. you shall dearly pay, how dare you such a free- 
dom take? 

Says he, I heard you were making hay, and I thought, my dear, 
you'd want a rake ; 

And therefore I followed you here to-day with your diamond eye 
and your point, 

Like a needle concealed in a bundle of hay, but I found you out, 
said Reilly. 

I told him at last, in a rage, to pack, and then for a while he 

fought more shyly ; 
But, like a bad shilling, he soon came back, that counterfeit rogue, 

that Reilly. 
To hunt me up he takes disguise, one day a beggar wem-h appears. 
'Twas that rogue himself, but I knew his eyes, and didn't I box 

the rascal's ears? 
Yet still he keeps following every day, plotting and planning no 

cute and slyly, 
And there isn't a fox more tricks can plav than raking, ranting 

Reilly. 

A nunnery, now, my old maiden aunt, declares for young women 

the best protection, 
But shelter so very secure I can't consider without objection. 
A plague on the fellows, both great and small, they bother us so 

till they find a wife. 
Yet if we should never be bothered at all I think 'twould be rather 

a stupid life ; 
So the rogue still follows me every day and I continue to use him 

vilely, 
But the neighbors all say till I'm turn'd to clay I'll never get rid 

of Reilly. 

THE IRISH WEDDING. 

Sure won't you hear what roaring cheer was spread at Paddy's 

wedding, O? 
And how so gay they spend the day from churching to the bed- 

uing, 0? 
First, book in hand, came Father Quipes with the bride's dadda, 

the bailie, 0, 
While the chaunter with her merry pipes struck up a lilt so 

gaily, O. 

Tiddery, teddery, etc. 

Now there was Mat and sturdy Pat and merry Morgan .Miir;>liy ". 
And Murdock Maggs, and Tirlogh Shaggs, McLoughlin and Di .. 

Durfy, 0; 
And then the girls, rigged out in white, led on by Ted O'Rily. ' 
While the chaunter with her merry pipes struck up a lill - 

gaily. O. 

When Pal was asked if his love would last, the chapel echoed v. ' 

laughter, O. 
By my soul, says Pat, you may say that to the end of the world 

a nd after, O. 
Then tenderly her hand lie gripes and kisses her genteely, O. 
While the chaunter with her merry pipes struck up a lilt so 

gaily, O. 



53 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE IRISH WEDDING— Continued. 

Then a roaring sel at dinner met, so frolicksome and so frisky. <>. 
Potatoes galore a skirrig or more with a flowing madder of 

w hisky, 0. ; 

Then around, to be sure, didn't go the wipes, at the bride- e\ 

pense so freely, 0, 
While the chaunter with the merry pipes struck up a lilt so 

gaily O. 

And then at night, oh, what delight to see them capering and 

prancing, 0, 
An opera or ball were nothing at all compared to the style ol 

their dancing, 0; 
And then to see old Father Quipes beating time with his shillelan, 

While the chaunter with the merry pipes struck up a lilt so 
gaily, C. 

And now the lot so tipsy are got, they'll go to sleep without rock- 
ing. ('. 

While the bridesmaids fair so gravely prepare for the throwing of 
the stocking, O; 

Decadorous we'll nave, says Father Quipes, then the bride was 
kissed round, genteely, O; 

While to wish them good night, the merry pipes struck up a lilt 
so gaily, O. 

THE GREEN ABOVE THE RED. 

Full often when our fathers saw the red above the green, 
They rose in rude but fierce array, with saber, pike, and skian, 
And over many a noble town, and many a field of dead, 
They proudly set the Irish green above the English red. 

But in the end, throughout the land, the shameful sight was 

seen — 
The English red in triumph high above the Irish green; 
But well they died in breach and field, who, as their spirits fled, 
Still saw the* green maintain its place above the English red. 

And they who saw, in after times, the red above the green, 
Were withered as the grass that dies beneath the forest screen; 
Yet often by this healthy hope their sinking hearts were fed. 
That, in some day to come, the green should nutter o"er the red. 

Sure 'twas for this Lord Edward died, and Wolfe Tone sunk 

serene — 
Because they could not bear to leave the red above the green; 
And 'twas for this Owen fought and Sarsfield nobly bled — 
Because their eyes were hot to see the green above the red. 

So when the strife began again, our darling Irish green 
Was down upon the earth, while high the English red was seen; 
Yet. still we hold our fearless course, for something in us said, 
Before the strife is o'er you'll see the green above the red. 

And 'tis for this we think and toil, and knowledge strive to glean, 
That we may pull the English red below the Irish green; 
And leave our sons sweel liberty and smiling plenty spread, 
Above the land once dark with blood — the green above the red. 

The jealous English tyrant now has banned th'' Irish green, 
And forced us to conceal it like a so aetl ing foul ami mean; 

But yet, bj heaven! he'll sooner raise his victims from the dead. 
Than force our hearts to leave the green and cotton to the red. 

We'll trust ourselves, for God is good, and blessi s those who lean 
i'u their brave hearts, and not upon an earthlj king or queen; 
And, freely as we lift our hands we vow our blood to shed, 
Once and forever more to raise the green above the red. 



•■ STAMPING OUT." 

Ay. stamp awaj ! I an you stamp it out— 
This quenchless fire of a nation's freedom! 

Your feet are broad ami youi >'t» 

But stouter for this you'll ni 
You have -tamped away for -i\ hundred years, 
But again and again the Old Cause rallies, 
Bikes gleam in the hands of our mountains - 
And with scythes come the men from our 
valleys ; 
The st( el-clad Norman as he roams 

Is faced b\ our naked gallowglasses, 
We lost the plains and our pleasant homes, 
But we held the hills and passes! 
And still the beltane fires at n 

If not a man were left to feed em — 
Bv widows' hands piled high and bright, 
'Flashed far the llame of Freedom! 



Ay. stamp away! Can you stamp it out, 

*0r how have' your brutal arts been baffled? 
You have wielded the power of rope and knot, 

Fire, dungeon, sword and scaffold. 
But still, as from each martyr's hand 

The Fiery Cross fell down in fighting, 
A thousand sprang to seize the brand. 

Our beltane fires relighting! 
And once again through Irish night-. 

O'er every dark hill redly streaming, 
And numerous as the heavenly li 
Our rebel tires wen- gleaming! 

And though again might fail that flame, 

Quenched in the blood of its devoted. 
Fresh chieftains 'rose, fresh clansmen 
came, 
And again the Old Flag floated! > 

That fire will burn, that ilag will float. 

By Virtue nursed, by Valor tended — 
Till with one fierce clutch upon your throat 

Your Moloch reign is ended! 
It may be now. or it may be then, 

That the hour will come we h; ve hoped for 
ages — 
But. failing and failing, we try again. 

And again the conflict rages. 
Our bate though hot is a patient hate. 

Deadly and patient to catch you tripping — 
And your years are many, your crimes are 
great. 
And the scepter is from you slipping. 
But stamp away with your brutal hoof, 
While tin' tires to scorch you are upward 
cleaving. 

For. with bloody shuttles, the warp and 
wool" 
Of your shroud the Fates are weaving! 



THE PRETTY MAID MILKING HER COW. 

Ir being on a fine summer's morning, 
A- birds sweetly tuned on each bough, 

I heard a fair maid sing most charming. 

As -hi' sit a -milking h.r cow. 
Ho is enchanting — melodious, 

Which left me scarce able to goj 
My hear! it was soothed in solace, 

Bj the pretty maid milking her cow. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



50 



PRETTY MAID MILKING HER COW.— Continued. 
With courtesy I did salute her; 

" Good-morrow, most amiable maid, 
I am your captive slave for the future." 

" Kind sir, do not banter," she said, 
" I am not such a precious rare jewel, 

That I should enamour you so; 
I am but a plain country girl! " 

Said this pretty maid milking her cow. 

" The Indies afford no such jewel, 

So precious and transparent clear; 
Oh! do not refuse to be my jewel, 

But consent and love me, my dear. 
Take pity and grant my desire. 

And leave me no longer in woe; 
Oh! love me or else I'll expire, 

Sweet colleen dhas cruthin amoe." 

" I don't understand what you mean, sir, 

I never was a slave yet to love ; 
These emotions I cannot experience, 

So, I pray, these affections remove. 
To marry, 1 can assure you, 

That state I will not undergo; 
So, young man, I pray, you will excuse me ! " 

Said this pretty maid milking her cow. 

"Had I the wealth of great Omar, 

Or all on the African shore ; 
Or had I great Devonshire's treasure, 
Or had I ten thousand times more; 

Or had I the lamp of Aladdin, 

And had I his genius also, 
I'd rather live poor on a mountain 

With colleen dhas cruthin amoe.'' 

* I beg you withdraw and don't tease me, 

I cannot consent unto thee ; 
I prefer to live single and airy 

Till more of the world I see. 
New cares they would me embarrass, 

Beside, sir, my fortune is low; 
Until I get rich I'll not marry! " 

Said the colleen dhas cruthin amoe. 

" A young maid is like a ship sailing, 

She don't know how long she may steer; 
For in every blast she is in danger, 

So consent and love me, my dear. 
Tor riches I care not a farthing, 

Your affection I want, and no more; 
In wedlock I wish to bind you. 

Sweet colleen dhas cruthin amoe." 

ERIX. 

When Erin first rose from the dark swelling 

flood, 
■God bless'd the green island, and saw it was 

good; 
The em'rald of Europe, it sparkled and shone. 
In the ring of the world, the most precious 

stone. 
In her sun, in her soil, in her station thrice 

blest, 
With her back towards Britain, her face to the 

West, 
Erin stands proudly insular, on her steep 

shore, 
And strikes her high harp 'mid the ocean's 

deep roar. 



BRENNEN ON THE MOOR. 

It's of a fearless Irishman, a long story I shall I ell, 

lli> name is Willie Brennen, in Ireland he did dwell; 

It was on the Calvert Mountains he commenced his hellish career, 

Where many a wealthy gentleman before him shook with fear. 



CHORUS 

Brennen on the moor, Brennen on the moor, 
Bold and undaunted, stood Brennen on the moor. 



A brace of loaded pistols he carried with him each day; 
He never robbed a poor man upon the Queen's highway ; 
For what he'd taken from the rich, like Turpin and black Bess, 
He always did divide it with the widows in distress. 



One night he robbed an Irishman by the name of Juler Bawn, 
They traveled on together till the day began to dawn ; 
The Juler found his money gone, likewise his watch and chain,. 
He at once encountered him and robbed him back again. 



When Willie found the packman was as good a man as he, 
He took him on the highway his companion for to be; 
The Juler threw away his pack without any more delay, 
And he proved a faithful comrade amidst his Agnus-dei. 



One day upon the highway, as Willie he sat down, 
He met the Mayor of Cashil a mile outside the town ; 
The Mayor he knew his features — I think, .young man. said he, 
That your name is Willie Brennen, you must toaie along witl 
me. 



Willie's wife, she being in town provisions for to buy, 
When she saw her Willie she began to weep and cry; 
I wish he handed me the temperers ; as soon as Willie spoke, 
She handed him a blunderbuss from underneath her cloak. 



It's with this loaded blunderbuss, the truth I will unfold, 
He made the Mayor to tremble and robbed him of his gold; 
One hundred pounds he offered for his apprehension there, 
And he with horse and saddle to the mountains then repaired.. 



Willie, being an outlaw upon the mountains high, 
With cavalry and infantry to take him they did try; 
He laughed at them with scorn, until at length did say: 
Ah ! a false-hearted young woman did basely me betray. 



In the county of Tipperary, in a place called Clonmoro, 
Brennen and his comrade was made to suffer sore; 
He lay amongst the briars, that grew thick upon the field, 
And he received nine wounds before that he would yield. 



They were taken prisoners, in irons they were bound, 
Conveyed to Clonmel jail, and strong walls did them surrouml ; 
The jury found them guilty, the Judge made this reply: 
For robbing on the Queen's highway, you're both condemned to die. 

Farewell unto my wife, and you my children three! 
And you my aged father, that may shed tears for me! 
And you my loving mother, tore her gray locks and cried: 
It were better, Willie Brennen, in your cradle Agall Chigh! 



<50 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



ERIN.— Contimu d 

But when its soft tones seem to mourn and to 



A PRIVATE STILL. 



we< p, 
The dark chain of Lie c is thrown o'er the 

dei 
At the thought of the j ast the tears gush from 

her i\ es, 
And the pulse of her heart makes her while 

bosom rise. 
O! sons of green Erin, lament o'er the times, 
When religion was war, and our country a 

crime, 
When man, in God's image, inverted his plan, 
And moulded his God in the image of man. 

When the int'rest of state wrought the gen- 
eral woe, 

The stranger a friend, and the native a foe; 

While the mother rejoie'd o'er her children op- 
pressed, 

And clasped the invader more close to her 
breast. 

When with pale for the body and pale for the 
soul 

Church and state joined in compact to conquer 
the whole; 

And as Shannon was stained with Milesian 
blood, 

Ey'd each other askance and pronounced it was 
good. 

By the groans that ascend from your fore- 
fathers' grave, 

For the country thus left to the brute and the 
slave, 

Drive the Demon of Bigotry home to his den, 

And where Britain made brutes now let Erin 
make men. 

Let my sons like the leaves of the shamrock 
unite, 

A partition of sects from one footstalk of right, 

Give each his full share of the earth and the 
sky. 

Nor fatten the slave where the serpent would 
die. 

Alas! for poor Erin that some are still seen, 
Who would dye the grass red from their hatred 

to Green ; 
Yet, oh! when you're up and they're down, let 

them live, 
Then yield them that mercy which they would 

not give. 
Arm of Erin, be strong! but be gentle as brave! 
And uplifted to strike, be still ready to save! 
Let no feeling of vengeance presume to defile 
The cause of, or men of, the Emerald Isle. 

I I cause it is good, and the men they are 1 rue, 
And the Green shall outlive both the Orange 
and Blue! 

triumphs of Erin her daughters shall 
share, 
i h the full swelling chest, and the fair ilow- 
liair. 
; o c a heaves high for the worthy and 
brave. 
: rd shall rest in that soft-swel 

i' in! awake, and make haste to the 
bli st, 
> ( i of the Ocean and Queen of the 

West! 



An exciseman, once, in Dublin, at the time that 1 was there, 

acied that a private still was being worked somewhere; 
He met me out one morning, perhaps he fancied that I knew, 
But 1 didn't: Never mind that, says he, Pat, how do you 
Saya 1 : I'm very well, your honor, but allow me for to B i\ . 
I don't know you at all, by jove! But, says he, but, perhaps, you 

may! 
I want to find a something out, assist me if you will, 
Here's fifty pounds if you can tell me where's a private still. 

Give me the fifty pounds, says I, upon my soul ! I can, 
I'll keep my word, the devil a lie, as I'm an Irishman! 
The fifty pounds he then put down, I pocketed the fee. 
Said !: Now, button up your coat and straightway follow me. 
i took him walking up the street, and talking all the while, 
He little thought I'd got lo take him a thund'ring many miles. 
Says he: How much further, Pat? for I am getting very tired. 
Said I: Then let us have a car. And a jaunting ear he hired. 

As soon as we got in the car, said he: Now tell me. Pat. 
Where is this blessed private still? don't take me for a Hat. 
A flat! jour honor, no! says I, but hear me. if you will. 
And I, at once, will tell you, sir, where there's a private still. 
Go on at once, says he. Says 1 : All right, now mark me well, 
I nave a brother that is close by here, in the barracks he does 

dwell ; 
I assure you he's a soldier, though he went against his will. 
The devil take your brother! says he, where's the private still? 

Hold your wist ! say r s I, old chap ! and I will plainly show 

That in the army, why, of course, promotion is very slow. 

Said the exciseman, Yes, I'm sure it is they're only meant to kill; 

But never mind your brother, tell me where's the private still? 

Said I, I'm coming to it; the barrack's close at hand, 

And, if you look straight thro' the gates you'll see and hear 

the band, 
And when the band's done playing, you'll see the soldiers drill. 
The blazes take the soldiers! tell me, where's the private still? 

Half a minute more, says I, I'll point him out to you. 
Faith! there he is, says I, old chap, standing 'twixt them two! 
Who the blazes do you mean? said he. I said: My brother Bill. 
Well! says he. Well, says I, they won't make him a corporal, so 

he's a private still! 
The exciseman stamped and — and said he'd have his money back, 
But I jumped in the car myself, and off was in a crack! 
And the people, as he walked along, tho' much against his will. 
Shout after him: Exciseman, have you found the private still? 

TERRY O'RANN. 

Terry O'Raxn was a fine young man, and from a boy it was his 

joy 
To tipple and drink, and lovingly wink at all the gay lasses in 

Derry; 
And when his first love he was making, the girls for him hail such 

a taking, 
if he'd just wink his eye. och, wouldn't they sigh, you'd think all 

their backs was a-breaking. 
He took whisky punch every night to his lunch, all the. thoughts 

of his love to bury. 
And then he would roam far away from hi>. home, to the g 

of the lasses of Deny. 

Pay and night 'twas his delight to play this game, without any 

shame. 
Till stopped by death, which took his breath, and killed him with 

whisky in Derry ; 
liis loss to the lasses was grievous, but from death there is 

nothing can save us, 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



CI 



TERRY O'BANN.— Continued. 

And every soul in terror did howl, saying, Och, Terry, why did ye 

hive US? 
That night at the wake every head it did ache, and when they 

went with the coffin to bury, 
A crowd was seen that covered the green in the black-looking 

churchyard in Derry. 



The Mayor of the town was a man of renown, he was a shoe- 
maker, a tailor, 

A baker, a doctor besides, and undertaker to all the people in 
Derry ; 

And when they were all merry making, himself to his bed he 
was taking. 

When Terry's dead ghost stood at his bedpost, says he: Tis a 
shame to the waking. 

Nor I don't ask your lave to come from the grave, your conduct 
is shocking, och, very. 

1 say to your face, you must alter my case, or I'll tell all the 
people in Deny. 

I was buried to-day, but where I lay the ground was damp and 

gave me the cramp. 
All over my body the wet did get, there was water enough for a 

ferry ; 
And besides my feelings to harrow, I was doubled up as if in a 

barrow, 
I was wedged in tight-bound, I couldn't turn 'round, my coffin 

was too devilish narrow. 
It was made of bad stuff, not half long enough, and as sure as 

my name it is Terry, 
I will not lay quiet, but I'll kick up a riot, I'll haunt all the 

people in Derry. 

Pray, says the Mayor, now take a chair, if you'll allow, I'll meas- 
ure you now, 

For a new coffin, longer and broader and stronger, if that'll make 
your heart merry; 

Then the ghost brightened up in a jiffy, his frolicksome spirits 
grew frisky. 

Says he: With pleasure, you make take my measure, and I'll 
take a measure of whisky ; 

For you needn't be told that the grave's very cold, and doesn't 
agree with poor Terry. 

I'm a comical elf, so I'll drink a good health to all the live 
lasses in Derry. 

While the bottle and glass merrily pass, and Terry was ripe for 

a song or a fight, 
The clock struck one, and ended the fun of the frolicksome 

corpse of poor Terry; 
For the sound of the clock was a warning that no ghost e'er 

was scorning. 
So tipsy and drunk away he slunk to get into his grave before 

morning. 
But the old women say that he missed his way, for the coffin they 

did bury 
Was quite empty found in the turned-up ground, to the grief of 

the lasses in Derry. 

The truth to suppose, for there's nobody knows, the ghost ran 
hard to gain the churchyard. 

But to his distress he got into a mess by meeting some black- 
guards in Derry ; 

Surrounded in every direction, no shillelah had he for protection, 

So they, in a crack, popped him in a sack and carried him off for 
dissection. 

He told all the house he was but a poor ghost, but they wouldn't 
believe him, poor Terry. 

With hearts hard as stones, cut the flesh off his bones, and an- 
atomised Terry of Derry. 



MRS. MCLAUGHLIN'S TARTY. 



Ould Ireland is the place for a frolic, 
The boys and the girls are frisky; 

They never can feel melancholic, 

They're the divils for tippling the whisky. 

For a row or a ruction, oh, murther! 
The boys they go in strong and hearty ; 

Now I'll tell yez, before I go further, 
Of Mrs. McLaughlin's party. 

Chorus. 

Whoo! it's welt the flure, Peter O'Dohcrty, 
Shake your leg, Biddy McCarty; 

Dance to your partners, ye divils, 
At Mrs. McLaughlin's party. 

Moll Dolan, a buxom young eraythur, 

Had lately been raising my dandher; 
1 met her going down to McGuffin s 

To bony the loan of a gandher. 
The gandher the geese had been eoorting, 

She sould it to Paddy McCarty; 
To buy her a pair of white slippers 

To go to McLaughlin's party. 

For a week or two I was preparing, 

Determined in style for to shank it ; 
Put a pair of new tails to my coat 

With a piece I cut off the blanket. 
I turned the corduroy breeches 

I borrowed from Phelim O'Flaherty; 
And I put a new patch on the sate, 

For to cut a big swell at the party. 

They hired a fiddler and piper, 

An' stuck them on top of a barrel, 
With a jug full of whisky between 'em, 

To kep them from having a quarrel. 
When the piper struck up " G-arryowen," 

Faix! the tiddler another tune started : 
And they welted the soles oft' their brogues, 

Whoo! at Mrs. McLaughlin's party. 

Tim Fagin got up for a reel, 

But he jigged it on every one's corns; 
To try for to stop him was worse 

Than to take a mad bull by the horns. 
He skinned Dinny Haggerty's shins. 

Tore the skirts off Winny O'Doherty; 
And exposed the dear crathur's fat limbs 

To all the gay boys at the party. 

Now while they were dancing and jigging, 

Tom Cassidy burst in the dure, sir; 
Thin the ducks and the dhrakes and the pigs, 

They came all Hying in on the flure, sir. 
The ould sow it set up a-grunting, 

The girls laughed merry and hearty: 
While the pig balancayed down the middle, 

At Mrs. McLaughlin's party. 

Thin the party was brought to an ending, 

The fiddler fell drunk from the table; 
Thy carried him home on a shutter, 

Tore off the dure of the stable. 
'We'd an elegant fight on the way 

With a faction from Ballvkillartv; 
And I'll be d — d if we hadn't to pay 

For the frolic we had at the party. 



62 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



BACON AND GREENS. 

I have lived long enough to be rarely mistaken, | 
And had my full share of life"s changeable 

scene ; 
But my woes have been solaced by good greens 

and bacon, 
And my joys have been doubled by bacon and 

greens. 
What a thrill of remembrance e'en now they 

awaken 
Of childhood's gay morning and youth's 

merry scenes — 
When one day, we had greens and a plateful of 

bacon, 
When one day we had greens and a plateful of 

greens ! 

Ah! well I remember, when, sad and forsaken. 
Heart-wrung by the scorn of a miss in her 
teens, 
How I fled from her sight to my loved greens 
and bacon, 
And forgot my despair over bacon and greens. 
When the banks refused specie, and credit was 
shaken, 
I shared in the wreck, and was ruined in 
means; 
My friends all declared I bad not saved my 
bacon, 
But I lived — for I still had my bacon and 
greens. 



If some fairy a grant of three wishes could 
make one 
So worthless as I and so laden with sins ; 
I'd wish all the greens in the world — then the 
bacon — 
And then wish for a little more bacon and 
greens. 
Oh! there is a charm in the dish, rightly 
taken, 
That from custards and jellies an epicure 
weans ; 
Stick your fork in the fat, wrap your greens 
round your bacon, 
And you'll vow there's no dish like good 
bacon and greens. 



KATE OF KILLASHEE. 

Bright are the heath-blossoms on Beara's 

mountain brown, 
And bright the waves of Camolin that roll past 

Longford town ; 
But the brighter still than flower or rill, and 

lovelier far is she, 
The pride and boast of Longford, fair Kate of 

Killashee. 



Sweet is the rippling laughter, the music of 
the tongue, 

Like some old Irish melody by siren played or 
sung; 

And like the sunny waters that go dancing to 
the sea, 

In light and beauty beaming, is Kate of Kil- 
lashee. 



TEDDY O'MONAGHAN'S COURTSHIP. 

I first courted Judy Magrah at her mother's, 
She had two tine black eyes and she gave me two others, 
When swate Peggy Nolan stole from her the heart of me, 
And vowed, all for love, Judy should have no part of me. 
When tall Katty caught me, Peg 'gan to pout at that, 
But Katty cried: Peggy, you cratur, come out o' that! 
Yet cut out was Katty by Shelah O'Donaghan — 
The cratur'a now mad after Teddy O'Monaghan. 

Chorus. 

Whack row de row, etc. 

Then Molly Maloney she threw a sheep's eye at me 
Which made Biddy Byrne most voraciously lly at uie; 
Teddy, said she, I've the vows had before you! 
Said I: For me, dying in love there's a score of you, 
But 1 am not the grand Turk, so, I only can marry one. 
Said she: That's myself — oh! (said I) dot and carry one; 
Biddy, my darling, you tricked Pat O'Ronaghan, 
But your capers won't carry with Teddy OMonaghan. 

Chorus. 

Whack row de row, etc. 

Then Norah ONeil to my mug took a fancy, 
But Phelim O'Foy had a daughter called Nancy, 
Whose nose was so beautiful, I thought my lot was cast; 
But Shelah Macshane put her nose out of joint at last. 
Shelah oft vowed she no falsehood could harbor, 
But slipped oil, like soap, with a bothering barber ; 
I lathered the barber, one Mr. O'Gonaghan. 
As a hint to the rivals of Teddy O'Monaghan. 



WIDOW MALONE. 

Did you hear of the Widow Malone, ohone '. 

Who lived in the town of Athlone, ohone! 

Oh ! she melted the hearts of the swains in them parts, 

So lovely the Widow Malone, ohone! 

So lovely the Widow Malone. 

Of lovers she had a full score, or more, 

And fortunes they all had galore, in store; 

From the minister down to the clerk of the crown, 

All were courting the Widow Malone, ohone! 

All were courting the Widow Malone. 

But so modest was Mistress Malone, 'twas known, 

That no one could see her alone, ohone ! 

Let them ogle and sigh, they could ne'er catch her eye, 

So bashful the Widow Malone, ohone! 

So bashful the Widow Malone. 



Till one Mister O'Brien, from Clare — how quare! 

It's little for blushing they care down there, 

Put his prm round her waist — gave ten kisses at laste — 

"Oh," ays ho. "you're my Molly Malone, my own! 

Oh," says he, " you're my Molly Malone." 



And the widow they all thought so shy. my eye! 

Ne'er thought of a simper or sigh, for Why 1 

"But, Lucius," says she. " since you've now made so free, 

You may marry your Mary Malone, ohone! 

You may many your Mary Malone." 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



63 



KATE OF KILLASHEE.— Continued. 

How bright her blushing glances of love when- 
e'er we met. 

Like rainbow tints upon the rose with dew of 
morning wet, 

And bright the love-light shining from her eyes 
of hazel brown — 

Oh! she's the star of Leinster, the pride of 
Longford town. 

Pair Kate, 'tis mine to wander afar from Erin's 

strand — 
Alone beside the Hudson's wave, within the 

strangers' land ; 
But backward ever flies my heart to home and 

love and thee — 
To Longford's pleasant valleys and the Rose 

of Killashee. 



DRINANE DHUN. 

Of late I'm captivated by a handsome young 

man, 
I'm daily complaining for my own darling 

John ; 
I'll be roving all day until night does come on, 
And I'll be shaded by the green leaves of the 

Drinane Dhun. 

Next fair day I'll get a fairing from my hand- 
some young man. 

Twenty bright kisses from my own darling 
John ; 

Confuse them, consume them that say I'm not 
true, 

Through green proves and lofty mountains I'll 
rove with you. 

My love is far fairer than a fine summer day, 
His breath is far sweeter than the new mown 

hay; 
His hair shines like gold when exposed to the 

sun, 
He is fair as the blossom of the Drinane Dhun. 

My love his is going to cross over the main, 
May the Lord send him safe to his virtuous 

love again; 
He is gone and he's left me in grief for to tell, 
O'er the green hills and lofty mountains be- 
tween us to dwell. 

I wish I had a small boat on the ocean to 

float, 
I'd follow my darling wherever he did resort ; 
I'd sooner have my true love to roll, sport and 

play, 
Than all the golden treasure by land or by 

sea. 

I'm patiently waiting for my true love's return, 
And for his long absence I'l ne'er cease to 

mourn ; 
I'll join with the sweet birds till the summer 

comes on 
To welcome the blossoms of the Drinane Dhun. 

Come, all you pretty fair maids, get married in 

time 
To some handsome young man that will keep 

up your prime ; 
Beware of the winter morn, cold breezes come, 
Which will consume the blossoms early of the 

Drinane Dhun. 



THE WEDDING OF BALLYPOREEN. 

Descend, ye chaste nine, to a true Irish bard, 
You're old maids, to be sure, but he sends you a card, 
To beg you'll assist a poor musical elf, 
With a song ready-made, he'll compose it himself; 
About maids, boys, a priest, and a wedding, 
With a crowd you could scarce thrust your head in ; 
A supper, good cheer, and a bedding, which happened at Bally- 
poreen. 

'Tvvas a fine summer's morn, about twelve in the day, 
All the birds fell to sing, all the asses to bray, 
When Patrick, the bridegroom, and Oonagh, the bride, 
In their best bibs and tuckers, set off, side by side. 
O, the pipers play'd fust in the rear, sir, 
The maids blushed, the bridesmen did swear, sir; 
O, Lord! how the spalleens did stare, sir, at this wedding of 
Ballyporeen. 

They were soon tacked together, and home did return. 

To make merry the day at the sign of the churn; 

When they sat down together, a frolicsome troop, 

O, the banks of old Shannon ne'er saw such a group. 

There were turf-cutters, threshers, and tailors, 

With harpers, and pipers, and nailors, 

And pedlers, and smugglers, and sailors, assembled at Ballyporeen. 

There was Bryan MacDermot and Shaughnessy's brat, 

With Terence and Triscol, and platter-faced Pat; 

There was Norah Macormic and Bryan O'Lynn, 

And the fat, red-haired cook-maid, who lives at the inn. 

There was Shelah, and Larry, the genius, 

With Pat's uncle, old Derby Dennis ; 

Black Thady and crooked Macgennis, assembled at Ballyporeen. 

Now the bridegroom sat down to make an oration, 
And he charmed all their souls with his kind botheration; 
They were welcome, he said, and he swore, and he cms d, 
They might eat till they swelled, and might drink till they bur&t. 
The first christening I have, if I thrive, sirs, 
I hope you all hither will drive, sirs; 

You'll be welcome all, dead or alive, sirs, to the christening at 
Ballyporeen. 

Then the bride she got up to make a low bow, 
But she twittered, and felt so — she could not tell how — 
She blushed and she stammered — the few words she let fall, 
She whispered so low that she bothered them all. 
But her mother cried: "What, are you dead, child? 
O, for shame of you, hold up your head, child; 
Though sixty, I wish I was wed, child, oh, I'd rattle all Bally- 
poreen." 

Now they sat down to meat — Father Murphy said grace, 
Smoking hot were the dishes, and eager each face; 
The knives and forks rattled, spoons and platters did play, 
And they elbowed and jostled, and wollopd away. 
Rumps, chines, and fat sirloins did groan, sirs. 
Whole mountains of beef were cut down, sirs; 
They demolished all to the bare bone, sirs, at this wedding at 
Ballyporeen. 

There was bacon and greens, but the turkey was spoiled, 
Potatoes dressed both ways, both roasted and boiled ; 
Hog's puddings, red herrings — the priest got the snipe, 
Culcannon pies, dumpling, cod, cow-heel and tripe. 
Then they ale till they could eat no more, sirs, 
And the whisky come pouring galore, sirs; 

Such piping, such figuring and dancing, was ne'er known at Bally- 
poreen. 



64 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE WEDDING OF BALLYPOREEN.— Con tinued. 
Now the wbiskj wenl round, and the Bongsters did roar 
Tim sung " Paddy O'Kelly," Nell sung » Molly Asthore; 
Till a motion was made that their songs they d forsake, 
And each lad take his sweetheart, their trotters to shake. 
Then the piper and couples advancing, 
Pumps, brogues, and bare feel fell a-prancing; 
Such piping, such figuring and dancing, was ne'er known at Ballp- 
poreen. 

low to Patrick, the bridegroom, and Oonagh, the bride, 
Let the liarp of old Ireland be sounded with pride ; 

(ml to all the brave guests, young or old, -ray or green, 
Drunk or sober, that jigged it at Ballyporeen. 
And when Cupid shall lend you his wherry, 
To triii o'er the conjugal terry, 
1 wish you may be halt" so merry as we were at Ballyporeen. 

BRYAN O'LYNN. 

Bhtax O'Lynh was a gentleman born, 
He lived at a time when no clothes they were worn: 
But as fashions walked out. of course, Bryan walked in— 
" Whoo! I'll soon lead the fashions," says Bryan O Lynn. 

Bryan O'Lynn had no breeches to wear, 

He got a sheep skin for to make him a pair; 

With the fleshy side out, and the woolly side in— 

" Whoo ! they're pleasant and cool," says Bryan O Lynn. 

Bryan O'Lynn had no shirt to his back. 

He went to a neighbor's and borrowed a sack : 

Then he puckered the meal bag up under his chin— 

" Whoo ! they'll take them for ruffles," says Bryan O'Lynn. 

Bryan O'Lynn had no hat to his head, 

He stuck oil the pot, being up to the dead; 

Then he murdered a cod for the sake of its fin — 

- Whoo! 'twill pass for a feather,'' says Bryan O'Lynn. 

Brvan O'Lynn was hard up for a coat, 

He borrowed a skin of a neighboring goat, 

With the horns sticking out from his oxters, and then — 

"Whoo! they'll take them for pistols," says Bryan O'Lynn. 

Bryan O'Lynn had no stockings to wear. 

He bought a rat's skin t<> make him a pair: 

He then drew them over his manly shin — 

"Whoo! they're illegant wear," says Bryan O'Lynn. 

Bryan O'Lynn had no brogue to his to< S, 
He hopped in two crab shells to serve him for those; 
Then he split up two oysters that matched like twins — 
•Whoo! they'll shine out like buckles," says Bryan O'Lynn. 

Bryan O'Lynn had no watch to pul on. 

He scooped ou1 a turnip to make him a one: 

Then he planted a erieke! righl under the skin — 

" Whoo! they'll think it's a ticking," says Bryan O'Lynn. 

Bryan O'Lynn to his house had no door, 
He'd the sky for a roof, and the hog for a floor; 
He'd a way to jump out, and a way to swim in — 
"Whoo! it's very convaynient," says Bryan O'Lynn. 

Bryan O'Lynn, his wife, and wife's mother. 

They all went home o'er the bridge together: 

The bridge it broke down, and they all tumbled in — 

"Whoo! we'll go home by water," says Bryan O'Lynn. 



THE COOLl "X. 

Tin: scene is beside where the Avonmoie flows — 
Tis tie- spring of tie year, and the day's near 

its close; 
And an old woman sits wi h a boy on her 

knci — 
She smiles like the evening, but he like the 

lea! 
Her hair is as white as the flax ere it's 
It is brown as yon tree that is hiding the sun! 
de the bright 
The calm, glassy river, 
That's sliding ;.:i I glidu - ace- 

fully on. 

"Come, granny." the boy sa] -. "you'll sing 

me, I know, 
The beautiful Coolun, so sweet and so low: 
For 1 love its soft tones mere ; bird 

or thrush, 
Though often the tears in a will gush 

From my eyes when I hear it. D3ai 

say why. 
When my heart's full of pleasure, I seb and I 
i ry 

To hear the sweet Coolun — 
The beautiful Coolun— 
An angel first sank it above in the sky?" 

And she sings and he listens: but many years 
pass, 

And the old woman sleeps 'neath the chapel- 
yard grass; 

And a couple are seated upon the same stone, 

Where the boy sat and listened so oft to the 
crone — 

'Tis the boy — 'tis the man. and he says \. 
he sighs. 

To the girl at his side with the love-streaming 
eyes, 

"O! sing me, sweet Oonagh. 
My beautiful Oonagh, 
0! sing me the Coolun," Ik say- and he 
sigh.;. 



That air, mo stor, brings back the days of my 

youth. 
That Bowed like a river I any and 

smooth ! 
And it brings back the old woman, kindly and 

dear — 
If her spirit, dear Oonagh, is hovering near. 
'Twill glad her to hear the old melody rise 
Warm, warm, on the wings of our love and our 
sighs — 

"0! sin- me the Coolun. 
The beautiful Coolun!" 
Is the dew or a tear-drop is moistening 
his eyes? 

There's a change on the scene fai more grand. 

far less fair — 
By the broad rolling Hudson are seated the 

pa i r : 
And the dark hemlock-fir waves its branches 

above. 
As they sigh for their land, as they murmur 

their love; 
Hush! — the heart hath been touched, and its 

musical strings 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



65 



THE COOLUN.— Continued. 
Vibrate into song-'tis the Cochin she sings- 
The home-sighing Coolun, 
The love-breathing Coolun— 
The well of all memory's, deep-flowing 
springs. 
They think of the bright stream they sat down | 
When he" was a bridegroom and she was his! 
The pulseTof youth seem to throb in the 

Old facelTlong vanished, look kindly again- 
Kind SeJ «oat round them, and grand hills 

Their tatM not touched, ah. this many a 

y6 And, as ceases the Coolun. 

The home-loving Coolun, . i 

Not the air, but their native land faints | 
on the ear. 
Long in silence they weep, with hand clasped 
Then to God^nd up prayers for the far-off 
And .Se^rateful to Him for the blessings 
They Sow 'tisVis hand that withholdeth con- 
For thTihdle and Christian must evermore 
For the' home upon earth and the home in the j 

So they sing the sweet Coolun, 
The sorrowful Coolun, 
That murmurs of both homes— they Bing 
and they sigh. 

Heaven bless thee, Old Bard, in whose bosom 

were nurst 
Emotions that into such melody burst ! 
Be thy grave ever green!— may the softest of 
showers . , .., 

And brightest of beams nurse its grass and its 

flowers — , . , „ 

Oft oft, be it moist with the tear-drop of love, 
And may angels watch round thee, forever 
above ! 
Old Bard of the Coolun, 
The beautiful Coolun, 
That's sobbing, like Eire, with Sorrow and 
Love. \ 

BARNEY O'HEA. 

Now let me alone, though I know you won't, 
I know you won't, I know you won't ; 
Now let me alone, though I know you won t. 

Impudent Barney O'Hea. 
It makes me outrageous when you're so con- 
tagious — 
You'd better look out for the stout Corney 
Creagh! . 

For he is the boy that believes I m his joy- 
So you'd better behave yourself, Barney 
O'Hea. 
Impudent Barney, none of your blarney, 
Impudent Barney O'Hea. 



CUSHLA-MO-CIIKI'.K. 



4r^tt;;rr^;r^ d ''-' 

Idlv the sweet birds around me are singing ; 

Summer, like winter, is cheerless to me; 
I S not if snow falls or tlow'rets are springing, 

For my heart's-light is darkened-my Cuahla-mo-chreel 

0' bright shone the morning when first as my bride love, 
Thy foot, lik- a sunbe-un, my threshold cross do er, 

And West on our hearth fell that soft eventide love 
When first on my bosom thy heart lav, asthoie! 
Restlessly now, on my lone pillow turning, 

Weir the night-watehes, still thinking on thee ; 
Jd £rker than night, breaks the light of the mormng, 
For my aching eyes hnd thee not, Cushla-mo-chree! 

my loved one! my lost one! say, why didst thou leave me 
To linger on earth with my heart in the grave! 

O' would thv cold arms. love, might ope to receive me 
To mv rest 'neath the dark boughs that over thee wave. 

Still from our once happy dwelling 1 mam. love, 
Evermore seeking, my own bride, tor thee; 

Ah Mary! wherever thou art is my home, love, 

Ana I'll soon lie beside thee, my Cushla-m>chree! 

THE OLD BOG HOLE. 

Tttp nicr iq in the mire, and the cow is in the grass, 

Id TnanwithoiTa woman through this world will sadly pass; 

My mXr Tikes the ducks, and the ducks likes the drakes. 

Arrah! sweet Judy Flanagan, I'd die for your sakes. 

My Judy she's as fair as the flowers on the lea, 

She's neat and complete from the nick to the knee; 

We met the other night, our hearts to condole, 

And I set my Judy down by the old bog hole. 

CHORUS. 

A.rrah! cushla mavourneen, will you marry me? 

\rrah' "ramacree mavourneen, will you marry me? 

Arrah! cushla mavourneen. will you marry me? 

Arrah! would you fancy the bold, bouncing Barney Magee? 

Judy, she blushed, and she hung down her head 
Saying: Barney, you blackguard. I'd like to get wed. 
But vou are such a rogue, and you are such a rake; 
Don't believe it, says 1, it is all a mistake. 
I'll handle a hook, a shovel, and spade ; 
To kep you genteel, I'll work at my trade, 
And the turf I'll procure, which is better than coal, 
And I'll dig to my knees in the old bog hole. 

Fine children we will have, for you must mind that, 

1 There will be Darby, Judy, Barney. Pat : 
i There will be Mary, so meek, and Kitty, so bluff, 

And— Stop, stop! she cries, have you not got enough.' 
1 1 will not, says I, nor I won't be content, 
' Till once I have as manv as there's days in Lent; 
I How the people they will stare when we go for a stroll, 

When we are promenading by the old bog hole. 

By the hokey, says she, I can scarcely refuse, 
For Barney the blarney he knows how to use; 
He has bothered my heart with the picture he has drawn, 
If I thought I could trust you the job might be done. 
Holy murthur! savs I, do vou doubt what I say, 
If I thought I could trust you, I'd swear half a day; 
Oh ! no, she says, it's of no use at all — 
I And she gave her consent by the old bog hole. 



VJ 



c>c, 



SOXGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



BARNEY O'HEA.— Continued. 
I hope you are not going to Brandon fair, 
To Brandon fair, to Brandon fair; 
For sure I'm not wanting to meet you there, 

Impudent Barney O'Hea. 
For Corney'a at Cork, and my brother's at 
work. 
And my mother sits spinning at home all the 
day, 
So no one will be there, of me to take care, 
And 1 hope you won't follow me, Barney 

ETea. 

Impudent Barney, none of your blarney, 
Impudent Barney O'Hea. 
When 1 got to the fair, sure the first I met 

1 here, 

The first i met there, the first I met there — 
When 1 got to the fair, the first I met there, 

Was impudent Barney O'Hea. 
He bothered and teased me, though somehow 
he pleased me, 
Till at last — oh! the saints — what will poor 
Corney say! 
But I think the boy's honest, so on Sunday I've 
promised, 
For better or worse to take Barney O'Hea. 
Impudent Barney, so sweet was his 
blarney, 

Impudent Barney O'Hea. 

CORMAC. 
Och! Cormac O'Grady, do cease your wild talk- 
ing. 
Your likes at the blarney I niver did see; 
Your tongue's a machine that is always a-goin', 
And grindin' out nonsinse you're givin' to 
me; 
Your brain is asthray, and faith it's no 
wondher, — ■ 
Now will you behave yourself, Cormac, I 
say? 
Take your arm from my waisht — nodo; do you 
hear me? 
If you don't, 'pon my word I'll be goin' 
away. 

That's right now; be aisy, — hush! don't begin 

tilkim', 
t But listen, — I think I should now say a 

woTd; 
With your blather, and foolin', and nonsinse, 

and capers, 
t I can't find the manes for to make myself 

heard. 
Sit still now, — don't move, — if you do I'll be 
goin'; 
If you want to come 'round here, come 
dacintly, pray. 
You ought to get some one to tache you more 
manners ; 
Faith, whin you are married you'll not be so 
gay. 

Aha! buit it's thin you will sit in a corner, 

Wid niver a word comin' out of your mouth; 
If your wife don't conthrol you I'm greatly 
mistaken ; 
And larrup, and bate you, and bang you 
about ; 
Ha ! ha ! What a figure you'll make — gracious 
goodness! 



THE BIRTH OF IRELAND. 

" With due condescension, I'd call your attention to what I shall 

mention of Erin so green, 
And, without hesitation, I'll >how how that nation became, of 

creation, the gem and the queen. 

" 'Twas early one morning, without any warning, that Vanus was 

born in the beautiful Saj , 
And, by the same token, and sure 'twas provoking, her pini 

were soaking, and wouldn't give play. 

" Old Neptune, who knew her, began to pursue her, in order to 

woo her — the wicked old Jew — 
And almost had caught her atop of the water — great Jupiter's 

daughter! — which never would do! 

"' But Jove, the great janius, looked down and saw Vanus, and 

.\eptune so heinous pursuing her wild, 
And he spoke out in thunder he'd rend him asunder — and sure 

'twas no wonder — for tazing his child. 

" A star that was flying hard by him espying, he caught with 

small trying and down let it snap: 
It fell quick as winking on Neptune a-sinking, and gave him, I'm 

thinking, a bit of a rap. 

"That star it v:as dryland, both lowland and highland, ail 
formed a street island, the land of my birth: 

Thus plain is the story that, sent down from glory, old Erin 
asthore is the gem of the earth! 

"Upon Erin nately jumped Vanus so stately, but fainted kasc 

lately so hard she was pressed; 
Which much did bewilder, but, ere it had killed her, her father 

distilled her a drop of the best. 

" That sup was victorious ; it made her feel glorious — a little up- 
roarious, I fear it might prove — 

So how can you blame us that Ireland's so famous for drinking 
and beauty, for fighting and love?" 

AN IRISH GIRL'S OPINION. 

An Irish girl, and proud of it, a word I'd like to say 

About the state of Erin's isle, my native place, to-day; 

And those with Irish blood in them will understand me best, 

And feel for those poor peasants who are starving in the west — 

Rack-rented, oft evicted, and turned out in the snow; 

The sky their only shelter, not knowing where to go. 

'Tis scenes like these that shake our faith in England and its 

throne ; 
Oh! is the good time coming when the land shall be our own? 

Chorus. 

For John Bull lives In England, Taffy lives in Wales, 
Sandy lives in Scotland, and weathers all the gales; 
Paddy fights for England, as everybody knows, 
Then give to him old Ireland where the shamrock grows. 

I've seen the big ship crowded and ready for to start, 
I've seen {lie aged mother from her only darling part; 
I've seen the bitter tears that fell upon the big ship's deck, 
From a soldier-lad whose new-made bride was clinging 'round his 

neck. 
In days gone by, they tell us, in story-book and rhyme, 
The hangman and his rope were very busy all the time; 
But, thanks to Dan O'Connell, whose picture yon have seen, 
There's not a pow'r can hang us now for wearing of the green. — 

Chorus. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



67 



CORMAC— Continud. 
You mane man; how dar' you? how dar' you, 
I say? 
To kiss me so bouldly — well, well! but that's 
awful : — 
How dar' you act in such a hathenish way? 

Get up off your knees, you will soil your new 
throusers; 
What! marry you? well, but that bates all 
ari' all ; 
Don't you know you are axin' an impidint 
queshtion ? 
But I'll think, and I'll tell you the next 
time you call. 
Why! where are you goin'? Now sure you're 
not angry, — 
You know 'twas but jokin' the words that I 
said ; 
Here's my hand if you wish it, and Cormac, 
my darlin', 
I'll be yours till the sod closes over my head. 

Why r , Cormac — he's gone; — he has left me in 
anger, — 

I've druv him away; O what shall I do! 
But sure he'll come back — Saints in heaven for- 
give me! 

yes, he'll come back, he's too honest and 
thrue: — 
Who's that at the dure? Tis himself! O my 
darlin', 

Forgive me — 'twas wrong for to plague you, 
I know ; 

I'll marry you now, and o'erjoyed and con- 
tinted, 

I'll be as your spouse through life's journey 
to go. 



SONG OF INNISFAIL. 

They come from a land beyond the sea, 

And now o'er the western main 
Set sail, in their good ships, gallantly, 

From the sunny land of Spain. 
" O, where's the Isle we've seen in dreams, 

Our destin'd home or grave?" 
Thus sung they as, by the morning's beams, 

They swept the Atlantic wave. 

And, lo, where afar o'er ocean shines 

A sparkle of radiant green, 
As though in that deep lay emerald mines, 

Whose light through the wave was seen. 
"'Tis Innisfail— 'tis Innisfail! " 

Rings o'er the echoing sea; 
While bending to heav'n the warriors hail 

That home of the brave and free. 

Then turn'd they unto the Eastern wave, 

Where now their Day-God's eye 
A look of such sunny omen gave 

As lighted up sea and sky. 
Nor frown was seen through sky or sea, 

Nor tear o'er leaf or sod, 
When first on their Isle of Destiny 

Our great forefathers trod. 



THE HUSBAND'S DREAM. 

Why, Dermot, you look healthy, now your dress is neat and clean, 
1 never see you drunk about, oh, tell me where you've been; 
Your wife and family all are well, you once diu use them strange, 
Oh, you are kinder to them now, how came the happy change? 
it was a dream, a warning voice, which heaven sent to me, 
To snatch me from a drunkard's curse, grim want and misery; 
My wages were all spent in drink, oh, what a wretched view! 
1 almost broke my Mary's heart, and starved my children, too. 

What was my home or wife to me? 1 heeded not her sigh, 

Her patient smile has welcomed me when tears bedimmed her 

eye; 
My children, too, have oft awoke, Oh, father, dear, they've said, 
Poor mother has been weeping so because we've had no bread. 

My Mary's form did waste away, I saw her sunken eye, 

On straw my babes in sickness laid, I heard their wailing cry; 

I laughed and sung in drunken joy r , while Mary's tears did 

stream, 
Then like a beast I fell asleep and had this warning dream: 

I thought I once more staggered home, there seemed a solemn 

gloom, 
I missed my wife, where can she be? and strangers in the room; 
Then 1 heard them say: Poor thing, she's dead, she led a wretched 

life, 
Grief and want has broken her heart — who'd be a drunkard's 

wife? 

T saw my children weeping 'round, I scarcely' drew my breath, 
They called and kissed her lifeless form forever stilled in death; 
Oh, father, come and wake her up, the people say she's dead, 
Oh, make her smile and speak once more, we'll never cry for 
bread. 

She is not dead, I frantic cried, and rushed to where she lay, 
And madly kissed her once warm lips, forever cold as clay; 
Oh, Mary, speak once more to me, no more I'll cause you pain, 
No more I'll grieve jour loving heart, nor ever drink again. 

Dear Mary, speak, 'tis Dermot calls. Why, so I do, she cried, 

I awoke, and true, my Mary, dear, was kneeling at my side ; 

I pressed her to my throbbing heart, while joyous tears did 

stream, 
And ever since I've heaven blessed for sending me that dream. 

TIPPERARY. 

Were you ever in sweet Tipperary, where the fields are so sunny 

and green, 
And the heath-brown Slieve-bloom and the Galtees look down 

with so proud a mien? 
'Tis there you would see more beauty than is on all Irish ground — 
God bless you, my sweet Tipperary, for where could your match 

be found? 

They say that your hand is fearful, that darkness is in your eye: 
But I'll not let them dare to talk so black and bitter a lie. 
Oh! no, machusla storin! bright, bright, and warm are you, 
With hearts as bold as the men of old, to yourselves and your 
country true. 

And when there is gloom upon you, bid them think who has 

brought it there — 
Sure a frown or a word of hatred was not made for your face 

so fair; 
You've a hand for the grasp of friendship — another to make them 

quake, 
And they're welcome to whichsoever it pleases them most to 

take. 

Shall our homes, like the huts of Connaught, be crumbled before 

our eyes? 
Shall we fly, like a flock of wild geese, from all that we love and 

prize? 



68 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



ROSANNA CARNEY. 

Is there am in love? 

If so, you 
When I say I s young girl, 

And her age it is sweel seventeen. 
When Cupid his arrow did fire, 

It struck my heart, but thai didn't harm me; 
The girl that 1 fondly admire 

Is the elegant Rosanna Carney. 

Chorus. 

Handsome and tall, waist very small, 

Brim lull of real Irish blarney ; 
The bells they will ring, the birds they will 
sing, 

The morn I wed Rosanna Carney. 

Her father is a man of great wealth, 
And climbed up the ladder of lame; 

Some say he carried a hod — 
There's lots of good men done the same. 
And brim full of real Irish blarney; 

His daughter's the hard-working girl, 

All the dudes down our street aie in love 
With the elegant Rosanna Carney. 

THE SHILLALEH. 

On the beautiful banks of the Shannon 

There grows such an illigant tree, 
And the fruit that it bears is shillaleh, 

I've a sprig of it here, you may see. 
'Tis the remnant of all my large fortune, 

It's the friend that ne'er played me a trick, 
And I'd rather lose half my supportin' 

Than part with this illigant stick. 

It's the porter that etrried my luggage, 

For I've shouldered it many a mile. 
And from thieve.- it will safely protect me, 

In a beautiful delicate style. 
It is useful for rows in the summer. 

And when winter comes on with a storm, 
If you're short of a fire in the cabin, 

You can burn it to keep yourself warm. 

It 'a a friend both so true and so constant, 

Its constancy pen cannot paint; 
For, it always is there, when it's wanted, 

And sometimes it's there when it ain't. 
It beats all your guns and your rifles ; 

For, it goes off whene'er you desire. 
And it's sure to hit whate'er it's aimed at — 

For, shillalehs they- never miss fire. 

It's a talisman so upright and honest, 

Twenty shillings it pays to the pound: 
So if ever it gets you in debt, sir. 

You are sure to be paid, I'll be bound. 
It never runs up a long score, sir, 

In trade it's not given to fail, 
There's no danger of its being insolvent; 

For, it always pays down on the nail. 

And, faith! at an Irish election, 

An argument striking it's there; 
For with brickbats and sprigs of the Shannon, 

We see things go all right and square. 
It's then there's no bribery at all, sir, 

They vote as they like, every soul; 
But it's no use opposing shillaleh. 

Or it's sure to come down on the poll. 



THE BANKS OF SWEET DUNDEE. 

It is of a farmer's daughter so beautiful I'm told, 

Her parents died and left her a large amount in gold; 

She lived '.villi her mule, the cause of all her woe, 

But you soon shall hear this maiden fair did prove his overthrow. 

Her uncle had a plow-boy young Mary loved quite well, 
\ ii- 1 in her uncle's e.aiden their tales of love would tell; 
There was a wealthy squire that oft came her to see, 
But still she loved her plow-boy on fh < banks of sweet Dundee. 

It was on a summer's morning, her uncle went straightway, 

I nocked at this maiden's door and unto her did say: 
•• Arise, arise, my pretty maid, and a lady you may be, 
lor the squire is waiting for you on the banks of sweet Dundee." 

"I care not for your squires, your duke-, or lords likewise, 
My Willie's eyes appear to me like diamonds in the skies." 
"Begone! unruly female, yon '] liappy be, 

For I intend to banish William from the banks of sweet Dundee. 

Her uncle and the squire rode out one summer's day. 

" Young William is in favor." her uncle he did say; 

" Indeed, it is my intention to tie him to a tree. 

And then to bribe a ] rcss-gang on the banks of sweet Dundee." 

A press-gang came to William when he was all alone, 
He boldly fought for liberty, but they were six to one; 
The blood did flow in torrents — " Pray, kill me now," said he, 
" For I will die for .Mary on the banks of sweet Dundee! " 

This maiden fair walking, lamenting for her love. 
She met this wealthy squire down in her uncle's grove, 
He put his arms around her — " Stand off, base man." said she, 
"You have sent the only lad I loved from the banks of sweet 
Dunaee! " 

He put his arm around her and tried to throw her down, 
Two pistols and a sword she saw beneath his morning gown; 
She took the weapons from him, his sword he used so free. 
But she did fire and shot the squire on the banl s of sweel Dundee. 

Her uncle overheard the noise, and hastening to the ground, 
Saying: " Since you have killed the squire I'll give you your death 

wound." 
"Stand off," then cried Mary, "undaunted I will be! " 
She the trigger drew and her uncle slew on the banks of sweet 

Dundee. 

A doctor soon was sent for, a man of noted skill. 
And then there came a lawyer for him to sie.n his will; 
He willed his gold to Mary, who fought so manfully. 
Then he closed his eyes no more to rise on flu- banks of sweet 
Dundee. 

HOW FADDY STOLE THE ROPE. 

There were once two Irish laboring men, to America they came 

over. 
And they tramped about in search of work from New York to 

Dover ; 
Said Faddy to Mick, "I'm tired of this, we're both left in the 

lurch, 
And if we don't get work, bedad! I'll go and rob a church! " 
" What ! rob a church! " said Mick to Paddy, " how could you be 

so vile? 
Sure something bad will happen you when in the sacred aisle; 
But if ye do, I will go with you, we'll get safe out, I hope," 
So listen, and I'll tell ye true, how Paddy stole the rope: ' 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



69 



HOW PADDY STOLE THE ROPE.— Continued. 

They tramped about through mud and mire, and the place they 
wanted finding, 

They got inside a country church, which nobody was minding; 

They scraped together all they could, and then prepared to slope, 

When Paddy said, " Hold on now, Mick, what shall we do for 
rope? 

We've got no bag to hold our swag, and before we go outside, 

With something stout and strong, me lad, the bundle must be 
tied;" 

Just then he spied the church-bell rope, and swift as an ante- 
lope. 

He scrambled up on the belfry high, to go and steal the rope. 

When Paddy reached the belfry-ropes, " Be jabers ! " said he, 

" stop, 
To get a piece that's long enough I must climb to the top;" 
So like a sailor up he went, and when near the end said he: 
" I think the piece that's underneath quite long enough will be." 
So holding by one arm and leg, he pulled his clasp-knife out, 
And right above his head and hand he cut the rope so stout; 
He quite forgot it held him up. By the powers of Doctor Pope! 
Down to the bottom of the church fell Paddy and the rope. 

Says Mick to Paddy, " Come out of that! " as he on the floor lay 

groaning, 
" Is that the way to steal a rope ? No wonder now ye're moan- 
ing; 
I'll how yez how to cut a rope. There! just lend me your knife." 
" Yerra, Mick, be careful! " cried out Paddy, "or else you'll lose 

your lite! " 
Mick bounded up the rope, and, like an artful thief, 
Instead of cutting it up above, he cut it underneath; 
The piece fell down, and he was left to hang up there and mope — 
" Bad cess unto the day," said he, " when we came stealing rope." 

There was Paddy groaning on the floor, while Mick hung up on 

high, 
" Come down," says Paddy. " I can't," says Mick, " for if I drop 

I'll die;" 
Their noise soon brought the preacher 'round, the sexton and 

police, 
But they set poor Micky free, the pair got no release; 
They took them to the station, where their conduct they now rue, 
For if they had no work before, they've plenty now to do; 
And for their ingenuity they have a larger scope 
Than when they broke into the church and tried to steal the rope. 

THE WEARING OF THE GE.EEN. 

On, Paddy, dear, and did you hear the news that's going 'round? 
The shamrock is forbid, by law, to grow on Irish ground; 
No more St. Patrick's day we'll keep — his color last be seen, 
For there's a bloody law agin the wearing of the green. 
Oh ! I met with Napper Tandy, and he tuk me by the hand, 
And he says: How is poor ould Ireland, and how does she stand? 
She's the most distressed country that ever I have seen, 
For they are hanging men and women for the wearing of the 
green. 

And since the color we must wear is England's cruel red, 

Ould Ireland's sons will ne'er forget the blood that they have 

shed ; 
Then take the shamrock from your hat and cast it on the sod, 
It will take root, and flourish still, tho' under foot 'tis trod. 
When the law can stop the blades of grass from growing as they 

grow. 
And when the leaves in summer time their verdure do not show, 
Then I will change the color T wear in ray caubeen, 
But till that day, plaze God, I'll stick to the wearing of the 

green. 



EMMET'S DEATH. 

"He dies to-day," said the heartless judge, 

Whilst he sate him down to the feast, 
And a smile was upon his ashy lip 

As he uttered a ribald jest; 
For a demon dwelt where his heart should be, 

That lived upon blood and sin, 
And oft as that vile judge gave him food 

The demon throbbed within. 

■• He dies to-day," said the jailer grim, 

While a tear was in his eye; 
" But why should I feel so grieved for himf 

Sine I've seen many die! 
Last night I went to his stony cell, 

With the scanty prison fare — 
He was sitting at a tiible rude, 

Plaiting a lock of hair! 
And he look'd so mild, with his pale — pale face, 

And he spoke in so kind p way, 
That my old breast heav'd with a smothering 
feel, 

And I knew not what to say! " 
" He dies to-day," thought a fair, sweet girl — 

She lacked the life to speak. 
For sorrow had almost frozen her blood, 

And white were her lip and cheek — 
Despair had drank up her last wild tear, 

And her brow was damp and chill, 
And they often felt at her heart with fear, 

For its ebb was all but still. 

THE BOATMAN OF KINSALE. 

His kiss is sweet, his word is kind, 

His love is rich to me; 
I could not in a palace find 

A truer heart than he. 
The eagle shelters not his nest 

From hurricane and hail. 
More bravely than he guards my breast — 

The Boatman of Kinsale. 

The wind that round the Fastnet sweeps 

Is not a whit more pure — 
The goat that down Cnoc Sheehy leaps 

Has not a foot more sure. 
No firmer hand nor freer eye 

E'er faced an Autumn gale — 
De Coureey's heart is not so high — 

The Boatman of Kinsale. 

The brawling squires may heed him not, 

The dainty stranger sneer — 
But who will dare to hurt our cot, 

When Myles O'TIea is here? 
The scarlet soldiers pass along — 

They'd like, but fear to rail — 
His blood is hot, his blow is strong — 

The Boatman of Kinsale. 

His hooker's in the Scilly van, 

When seines are in the foam; 
But money never made the man, 

Nor wealth a happy home. 
So, blest with love and liberty, 

While he can trim a sail. 
He'll trust in Hod. and cling to me — 

The Boatman of Kii:sale. 



70 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE WEARING OF THE GKEEX.— Continued. 

But if, at last, her colors should be torn from Ireland's heart, 
Her sons with shame and sorrow from the dear old Boil will part; 
I've heard whispers of a country that lies far beyond the sea, 
Where rich and poor stand equal in the light of freedom's day. 
Oh Erin! must we leave you, driven by the tyrant's baud? 
Must we ask a mother's blessing fan a Btrange but happy land, 
Where the cross of England's thraldom is never to be seen, 
But where, thank God, we'll live and die still wearing of the 

green ? 
No! by those who were here before us, no churl shall our tyrant 

be; 
Our land it is theirs by plunder, but, by Brigid, ourselves are 

free. 

Xo! we do not forget the greatness did once to sweet Erie be- 

I i 
No treason or craven spirit was ever our race among; 
And no frown or no word of hatred we give — but to pay them 

back, 
In evil we only follow our enemies' darksome track. 
Oh! come for a while among us, and give us the friendly hand, 
And you'll see that old Tipperary is a loving and gladsome land; 
From Upper to Lower Ormond, bright welcomes and smiles will 

spring- 
On the plains of Tipperary the stranger is like a king. 

BURKE'S DREAM. 

Slowly and sadly one night in November 

I laid down my weary head to repose 
On a pillow of straw, which I long shall remember; 

O'erpowered by sleep I feel into a doze, 
Tired from working hard, down in a felon's yard; 

Night brought relief to my well-tortured frame, 
Locked in my prison cell, surely an earthly hell; 

I fell asleep and began for to dream. 

Methought that I sat on the green hills of Erin, 
Premeditating her victory won; 

Surrounded by comrades, no enemy fearing. 

Stand was the cry. every man to his gun! 
Then on came the Samagh facing our Irishmen, 

But they soon rallied back from our Pike volunteers, 
Whose erj it was shrill, hurrah, boys! Father Murphy 

And his brave Shellamires. 

Then methought that I seen our brave, noble commanders 

All mounl : on chargers and in gorgeous array, 
Jn grei n, trimmed with gold, with their bright-shining sabers, 

( a v hich danced the sunbeams of fre :do i thai day; 
On, > 9 the battle-cry, conquer this day or die; 

Sons of Eibernia, fight for liberty. 

neither fear nor dread, vanquish the foe ahead! 

I'm down their horse, foot and artillery. 

Then on the cannon balls flew, men from both sicks drew, 
> nil were bound by oath to die or hold their ground; 
i in our vengeance the Samagh lied, 
ilic fields covered with dead. 
11 cried out gloriously : 
ne from your prison, Burke! Irishmen hive clone their work, 
God he was with us, old Erin is free! 

Then methought, .1- the clouds were repeatedly (lowing, 
l saw a lion Btretched on the crimson-gold places, 

the pale □ abeams in dea b's sleep reposing, 

ides I knew I would never ■ e again; 

mountain path homewards 1 hastened back, 
her, who fainted, pave •> lo 
„> • 1 he shock of which 1 au eak, 

And founa myself a prisoner, and all but a d] 



KATE OF KENMARE. 

O! many bright eyes full of goodness and glad- 
ness. 

Where the pure soul looks out, and the heart 

loves to shine. 

And many cheeks pale with the soft hue of sad- 
ness 
Have I worshiped in silence and felt them 
divine ! 

But hope in its gleamings, or love in its dream- 

Ne'er fashioned a being bo faultless and fair 
As the lily-cheeked beauty, the rose of the 
Roughty, 

The lawn of the valley, sweel Kate of Ken- 
mare! 

It was all but a moment, her radiant existence, 
Her presence, her absence, all crowded on 
me ; 
But time has not ages, and earth has not dis- 
tance 
To sever, sweet vision, my spirit from thee! 
Again am I straying where children are play- 
ing— 
Bright is the sunshine and balmy the air. 
Mountains are heathy, and there I do see thee, 
Sweet fawn of the valley, young Kate of 
Kenmare! 

Thy own bright arbutus bath main a cluster 

Of white \\a\i n blossoms like 'ilies in air; 
But, O! thy pah- cheek hath a delicate luster. 

No blossoms can rival, no lily doth wear: 
To that cluck softly flushing, to thy lip 

brightly blushing, 
0! what are the berries that brij doth 

hear? 
Peerless in beauty, that rose < f the R 

That fawn of the valli Kate of Ken- 

mare! 

O! beauty, some spell from kind Nature thou 
bean si . 
Some magic of tone oi men1 of eye, 

That hearts thai are hardest, From forms that 
are fairest , 
Receive such impressions as >' 1 can die! 
The foot of the fairy, though lightsome anil 
airy. 
Can stamp on thi doth 

wear. 
Art cannot trace it nor aj it — 

And such are thy glanci 3, sweet K lie of Kon- 
mare! 

To him who far navels how • feeling — 

How the lighl of his shadowed 

and dim, 
When the Been s he most loves, like the river's 
soft sti aling 
All v.'Ar as a vision and vanish from him! 
'1 ' 1 he I 1 h far land a flo ri 1 

that garland, 
That memorj weaves of the bright and the 

fair; 
While this sigh I am breathing my garland is 
wreathing. 
And th an 1 is Kate of 

Kenmare! 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



71 



KATE OF KENMARE.— Con tinned. 
In lonely Lough Quinlan in summer's soft 
hours, 
Fair islands are floating that move with the 
tide. 
Which, sterile at firs!, are soon covered with 
flowers, 
And thus o'er the bright waters fairy-like 
glide ! 
Thus the mind the most vacant is quickly awak- 
ened, 
And the heart bears a harvest that late was 
so bare, 
Of him who in roving finds objects in loving, 
Like the fawn of the valley — sweet Kate of 
Kenmare ! 

Sweet Kate of Kenmare, though I ne'er may 
behold thee — 
Though the pride and the jov of another may 
be- 
Though strange lips may praise thee and 
strange arms enfold thee ! 
A blessing, dear Kate, be on them and on 
thee ! 
One feeling I cherish that never can perish — 
One talisman proof to the dark wizard care — 
The fervent and dutiful love of the Beautiful, 
Of which thou art a type, gentle Kate of 
Kenmare ! 



MOTHER, HE'S GOING AWAY. 

Now what are you crying for, Nelly? 

Don't be blubbering there like a fool; 
With the weight o' the grief, faith, I tell you 

You'll break down the three-legged stool. 
I suppose now you're crying for Barney, 

But don't b'iieve a word that he'd say, 
He tells nothing but big lies and blarney — 

Sure you know how he served poor Kate 
Karney. 

Daughter. But, mother! 
Mother. O, bother. 
Daughter. Oh, mother, he's going away, 
And I dreamt the other night 
Of his ghost — all in white! 
[Mother speaks in an undertone.} The dirty 
blackguard ! 
Daughter. Oh, mother, he's going away. 

If he's going away, all the betther — 

Blessed hour when he's out of your sight! 
There's one comfort — you can't get a letther — 

For yiz neither can read nor can write. 
Sure 'twas only last week you protested, 

Since he courted fat Jinney M'Cray, 
That the sight o' the scamp you detested — 

With abuse sure your tongue never rested — 

Daughter. But, mother! 

Mother. Oh, bother! 

Daughter. Oh, mother, he's going away. 

[Mother, speaking again with peculiar parental 

piety.] May he never come back! 

Daughter. And I dream of his ghost, 

Walking round ray bedpost — 
Oh, mother, he's going away. 



THE BATTLE OF THE BOYNE. 

A. d. 1G90. 

It was upon a summer's morn, unclouded rose the sun. 
And lightly o'er the waving corn their way the breezes won; 
Sparkling beneath that orient beam, 'mid banks of verdure gay, 
Its eastward course a silver stream held smilingly away. 

A kingly host upon its side a monarch camp'd around, 
Eta southern upland far and .wide their white pavilions crowned; 
Not long that sky unclouded show'd, nor long beneath the ray 
That gentle stream in silver llowcd, to meet the new-born day. 

Through yonder fairy-haunted glen, from out that dark ravine,* 
Is heard the tread of marching men, the gleam of arms is seen; 
And plashing forth in bright array along yon verdant banks, 
All eager for the coming fray, are rang'd the martial ranks. 

Peals the loud gun — its thunders boom the echoing vales along, 
While eurtain'd in its sulph'rous gloom moves on the gallant 

throng ; 
And foot and horse in mingled mass, regardless all of life, 
With furious ardor enward pass to join the deadly strife. 

Nor strange that with such ardent flame each slowing heart beats 

high, 
Their battle word was William's name, and " Death or Liberty! " 
Then, Oldbridge, then thy peaceful bowers with sounds unwonted 

rang, 
And Tredagh, 'mid thy distant towers, was heard the mighty 

clang; 

The silver stream is crimson'd wide, and clogg'd with many a 

corse, 
As floating down its gentle tide come mingled man and horse. 
Now fiercer grows the battle's rage, the guarded stream is 

cross'd, 
And furious, hand to hand engage each bold contending host; 

He falls — the veteran hero falls, renowned along the Rhine — 
And he whose name, while Derry's walls endure, shall brightly 

shine. 
Oh! would to heav'n that churchman bold, his arms with triumph 

blest. 
The soldier spirit had controll'd that fir'd his pious breast. 

And he, the chief of yonder brave and persecuted band, 

Who foremost rush'd amid the wave and gained the hostile 

strand ; 
He bleeds, brave Caillemonte — he bleeds — 'tis closed, his bright 

career, 
Yet still that band to glorious deeds his dying accents cheer. 

And now that well-contested strand successive columns gain. 
While backward James's yielding band are borne across the plain. 
In vain the sword green Erin draws, and life away doth fling— 
Oh! worthy of a better cause and of a bolder king. 

In vain thy bearing bold is shown upon that blood-stain'd 

ground ; 
Thy tow'ring hopes are overthrown, thy choicest fall around: 
Nor, sham'd, abandon thou the fray, nor blush, though conquer 'd 

there, 
A power against thee fights to-day no mortal arm may dare. 

Nay, look not to that distant height in hope of coming aid — 
The dastard thence has ta'en his flight, and left his men betrav'd. 
Hurrah! hurrah! the victor shout is heard on high Dunore; 
Down Platten's vale, in hurried rout, thy shatter'd masses pour. 



72 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE BATTLE OF THE BOYSE— Continued. 
But many a gallant spirit there retreats across the plain, 
Who, change but kings, would gladly dare that battle-field again. 
Enough! enough! the victor cries; your fierce pursuit forbear, 
Let grateful prayer to heaven arise, and vanquished freemen spare. 



Hurrah! hurrah! for liberty, for her the sword we drew, 
And dar'd the battle, while on high our Orange banners Hew; 
Woe worth the hour — woe worth the state, when men shall cease 

to join 
With grateful hearts to celebrate the glories of the Boyne! 



PATRICK SHEEHAN. 

My name is Patrick Sheehan, my years are thirty-four, 
Tipperary is my native place, not far from Galtymore; 
I came of honest parents — but now they're lying low — 
Anil many a pleasant day I spent in the Glen of Aherlow. 



My father died, I closed his eyes outside our cabin door — 
The landlord and the sheriff, too, were there the day before — 
And then my loving mother, and sisters three also, 
Were forced to no with broken hearts from the Glen of Aherlow. 



For three long months, in search of work, I wandered far and 

near, 
I went then to the poorhouse to see my mother dear ; 
The news I heard nigh broke my heart, but still, in all my woe, 
I blessed the friends who made their graves in the Glen of 

Aherlow. 



Bereft of home, and kith and kin, with plenty all around, 
I starved within my cabin, and slept upon the ground ; 
But cruel as my lot was, I ne'er did hardship know, 
Till I joined the English army, far away from Aherlow. 



"'Rouse up there," says the corporal, "you lazy Hirish 'ound; 
Why don't you hear, you sleepy dog, the call ' to arms! ' sound? 
Alas, I had been dreaming of days long, long ago. 
1 woke before Sebastopol, and not before Aherlow. 



I groped to find my musket — how dark I thought the night; 

blessed God, it was not dark, it was the broad daylight! 
And when I found that 1 was blind my tears began to now, 

1 longed for even a pauper's grave in the Glen of Aherlow. 



O blessed Virgin Mary, mine is a mournful tale, 
A poor blind prisoner here I am. in Dublin's dreary jail. 
Struck blind Within the trenches, where I never feared the foe, 
And now I'll never see again my own sweet Aherlow. 



A poor neglected mendicanl I wandered through the sheet. 

My nine months' pension now being out. I beg from all I meet; 
As I joined my country's tyrants, my face I'll never show 
Among the kind old neighbors in the' Glen of Aherlow. 



Then. Irish youths— dear countrymen— take heed of what I say. 
For if you join the English ranks you'll surely rue the day: 
And whenever you are tempted a-soldiering to 
Remember poor blind Sheehan of the Glen of Aherlow. 



BELLEWSTOWN RACES. 

If a respite ye'd borrow from turmoil or 
sorrow, 
I'll tell you the secret of how it is done ; 
'Tis found in this statement of all the excite- 
ment 
That Bellewstown knows when the races 
come on. 
Make one of a part}- whose spirits are hearty, 
Get a seat on a trap that is sale not to spill, 
In its well pack a hamper, then oft" for a scam- 
per, 
And hurroo for the glories of Bellewstown 
Hill ! 

On the road bow they dash on, rank, beauty, 
and fashion, 
It Banagher bangs, by the table o' war ! 
From the coach of the quality, down to the jol- 
lity- 
Jogging along on an ould low-backed car. 
Though straw cushions are placed, two feet 
thick at laste, 
It's jigging and jumping to mollify still; 
Oh, the cheeks of my Nelly are shaking like 

jelly, 

From the jolting she gets as she jogs to the 
Hill. 

In the tents play the pipers, the fiddlers and 
fifers, 
Those rollicking lilts such as Ireland best 
knows ; 
While Paddy is prancing, his colleen is danc- 
ing, 
Demure, with her eyes quite intent on his 
toes. 
More power to you, Micky! faith, your foot 
isn't sticky; 
But bounds from the boards like a pay from 
the quill. 
Oh, 'twould cure a rheumatic, — he'd jump up 
ecstatic 
At " Tatter Jack Walsh " upon Bellewstown 
Hill. 

Oh, 'tis there 'neath the haycocks, all splendid 
like paycocks, 
In chattering groups that the quality dine: 
Sitting cross-legged like tailors the gentlemen 
dealers 
In flattery -pout and come out mighty fine. 
And the gentry from Navan and Cavan are 
" having.'' 
Neath the shade of the trees, an Arcadian 
quadrille. 
All we read in the pages of pastoral ages 
Tell of no scene like this upon Bellewstown 
Hill. 

Arrived at its summit, the view that von come 
at, 
From etherealized Mourne to where Tara 
ascends, 
There's no scene in our Ireland, dear Ireland, 
old Ireland ! 
To which nature more exquisite loveliness 
lends. 
And the soil 'neath your feet has a memory 
sweet. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF 1RKLAND. 



BELLEWSTOWN RACES.— Continud. 

The patriots' deeds they hallow it still ; 
Eighty-two's volunteers (would to-day saw 
their peers! ) 
Marched past in review upon Bellewstown 
Hill. 



But hark! there's a shout — the horses are 
out, — - 
'Long the ropes, on the stand, what a hulla- 
balloo! 
To old Cock-a-Fatha, the people that dot the 

Broad plateau around are all for a view. 
"Come, Ned, my tight fellow, I'll bet on the 
yellow ! " 
'"Success to the green! faith, we'll stand by 
it still! " 
The uplands and hollows they're skimming like 
swallows, 
Till they Hash by the post upon Bellewstown 
Hill. 



ERIX-GO-BRAGH. 

Ye sons of Hibernia, howe'er low in station, 

Or where'er you be come attend to my call; 
Resist all attempts, and unshackle your na- 
tion, 
Old Ireland, I mean, or, alas! she must fall. 
With burdens so great, and her liberty sinking, 
Its beauty nigh gone — on destruction it's 

brinking; 
Then on, my brave boys, don't let's stand idly 
thinking, 
While Ireland's our country, dear Erin-go- 
bragh. 



Oh! Erin, my country, once happy and free, 
With pleasure I stood on thy once native 
shore ; 
But, alas! cruel fortune has turned foe to thee, 

Oh! Erin Mavourneen, thy case I deplore. 
Bound down by a suackle that's linked to a 

snare, 
By foes base and keen, who have filled thee 

with care; 
Then on. my brave boys, we'll show we play 
iv ir, 
For Ireland's our country, dear Erin-go- 
bra gh. 



Oh ! England, your taunts and your censures 

give o'er, 
And spite not that country that's equal to 

you ; 
But join hand in hand, each day and each 

hour. 
With Scotland, our friends — all to each other 

true. 
United by friendship, we'll join in a band, 
Determined to fight for our kings, laws and 

land ; 
Then on, my brave boys, don't let us here 

stand, 
While Ireland's our country, dear Erin-go- 

bragh. 



THE LAND OF POTATOES, OH. 

On, had I in the clear live hundred a year, 

Tis myself would not fear, though not aided one farthing of it; 
Faith, if such was my lot, little Ireland's the spot 

Where I'd build a snug cot with a bit of garden to it. 
As tor Italy's dales, their Alps and high vales, 

And their tine squalling gales, their signoras to beat us, oh! 
I'd never unto thee come, nor abroad ever roam, 

But enjoying my sweet borne in the land of potatoes, oh. 

Chorus. 

Hospitality, all reality, no formality, there you'll ever see, 
But be so free and easy, that we would amaze you; 
You'll think us all crazy for dull we can never be. 

If our friend, Honest Jack, would but take a small hack, 

So get on his back, and in joy ride over full to us, 
He, throughout the whole year, should have the best cheer, 

But, faith, no one's so dear as our brother, John Bull, to us. 
And we'd teach him when there, both to blunder and swear, 

And our brogue with him share, which both genteel and neat 
is, oh ; 
By St. Patrick, I think, when we'd teach him to drink, 

That he'd ne'er wish to shrink from the land of potatoes, oh. 

Though I'd frankly agree that I'd more happy be 

If some heavenly she, in this country, would favor me; 
For no spot on the earth can more merits bring forth, 

If beauty and wealth can embellish, such ss she. 
Good breeding, good nature, you see in each feature, 

So nought you've to teach her, so nice and complete she's, oh; 
Then if fate would but send unto me such a friend, 

What a life could I spend in the land of potatoes, oh. 

BALLYHOOLEY. 

There's a dashing sort of boy, who is called his mother's joy, 

His ructions and his elements they charm me; 
He takes the chief command in a water-drinking band, 

Called the Ballyhooley Blue Ribbon Army. 
The ladies all declare he's the pride of every [air, 

And he bears the patriotic name of Dooley; 
When the temperance brigade go out upon parade, 

Faith! there's not a sober man in Ballyhooley. 

Ciioius. 

Willoo loo! hoo! l-.oo! we will all enlist, you know, 
For their principles and elements they charm me: 

Sure they don't care what they ate, if' they drink their whisky 
nate. 
In the Ballyhooley Blue Ribbon Army. 

When we're out upon patrol and we're under Ins control, 

We take, of course, a most extendid radius; 
Although it's very clear we drink only ginger beer, 

We find the drinking sometimes rather tadius. 
The police, one fine day, faith! they chanced to come our way, 

And they said we were behaving most unruly; 
When the sargent he did state that we were not walking straight. 

Faith! we stretched him for a corpse in Ballyhooley.— Chorus. 

Then before the magistrate every one of us did state 

That we had taken nothing that could injure; 
And as it's very clear we drink only ginger beer. 

There must have been some stingo in the ginger. 
Rome of us did own we were drinking zosodone. 

But the police were behaving most unruly: 
It was of no avail, and within the county jail 

Lies the temperance brigade of Ballyhooley.— Chorus. 



74 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



DERMOT O'DOWD. 

WHEH Dermot O'Dowd coorted Molly M'Can 

They were sweet as the honey and Boft as the down; 
But when they were wed they began to find out 

That Dermot could storm and that -Molly could frown. 
They would neither give in, so the neighbors gave out— 

Both were hot till a coldness came over the two ; 
And Molly would flusther, and Dermot would blusther, 

Stamp holes in the dure, and cry out, "Wirasthru! 
() murther! I'm married, 
Wish 1 had tarried; 
I'm sleepless and speechless— no word can I say. 
My bed is no use: 
I'll give back to the goose 
The feathers I plucked on last Michaelmas day." ^ 
"Ah! " says Molly, "you once used to call me a bird. 

" Faix, you're ready enough to fly out," says he. 
" You said then my eyes were as bright as the skies, ^ 

And my lips like the rose— now no longer like me. 
Says Dermot, " Your eyes are as bright as the morn, 

But your brow is as black as a big thunder cloud. 
If your lip is a rose, sure your tongue is a thorn 

That sticks in the heart of poor Dermot O'Dowd." 
Says Molly, "You once said my voice was a trash; 

But now it's a rusty old hinge with a creak." 
Says Dermot, " You called me a duck when I coorted, 

But now I'm a goose every day in the week. 
But all husbands are geese, though our pride it may shock, 

From the first 'twas ordained so by nature, I fear. 
Ould Adam himself was the first of the flock, 

And Eve, with her apple-sauce, cooked him, my dear.' 



THE SHAMROCK SHORE. 

In a musing mind with me combine, and grant me great relief, 
Whilst here alone I sigh and moan, I'm overwhelmed with grief; 
Whilst here alone I sigh and moan, away from friends at home, 
With troubled mind, no rest can find, since I left the shamrock 
shore. 

In the blooming spring, when the small birds sing, and the lambs 

did sport and play, 
My way I took, and friends forsook, till I came to Dublin Quay; 
I entered on board as a passenger, to England I sailed o'er, 
I bid farewell to all my friends all 'round the shamrock shore. 

When young men all, both great and small, go to the fields to 

walk, 
Whilst here alone I sigh and moan, to none of them can talk; 
Whilst 1 remain but to bewail, for the mould that 1 adore, 
With a troubled mind, no rest can find, since I left the shamrock 

shore. 

To Glasgow fair I did repair, some pleasure for to find. 
I own it was a pleasant place, down by the flowery Clyde; 
I own it was a pleasant place, for rich attire they wore. 
There's none so rare as can compare to the girls of shamrock 
shore. 

One evening fair, to take the air, down by yon shady grove, 
I heard some lads and lasses gay a-making to them love : 
It grieved me so, rejoiced to see, as I had once before, 
Has my heart betrayed, that I left on the shamrock shore. 

So now to conclude, and make an end. my pen begins for to fail, 
Farewell, my honored mother, dear, and for me don't bewail; 
Farewell, my honored mother, dear, and for me grieve no more, 
When I think long, I'll sing my song in praise of the shamrock 
shore. 



RORV OF Till: HILLS. 

" That rake up near the ratters. 

Why leave it there so long.' 
The handle, of the best of ash, 

Is smooth, and straight, and strong; 
And, mother, will you tell me. 

Why did my father frown, 
When" to make the hay in summer time 

1 climbed to take it down? " 
She looked into her husband's eyes, 

While her own with light did fill; 
'You'll shortly know the reason, boy! 

Said Rory of the Hill. 



The midnight moon is lighting up 

The slopes of Sliev-na-mun — 
Whose foot affrights the startled hares 

So long before the dawn'.' 
He stopped just where the Anner's stream 

Winds up the woods anear, 
Then whistled low, and looked around 

To see the coast was clear. 
A sheeting door flew open — 

In he stepped with right good will — 
•' God save all here, and bless your work," 

Said Rorv of the Hill. 



Right hearty was the welcome 

That greeted him, I ween, 
For years gone by he fully proved 

How well he loved the Green; 
And there was one among them 

Who grasped him by the hand — 
One who, through all" that weary time, 

Roamed on a foreign strand — 
He brought them news from gallant friends 

That made their heart-strings thrill; 
•• My sowl! I never doubted them! * 

Slid Rory of the Hill. 



They sat around the humble board 

Till dawning of the day. 
And yet not song or shout I heard — 

No revelers were they ; 
Some brows Hushed red with gladness, 

While some were grimly pale: 
But pale or red. from out those eyes 

Flashed souls that never quail! 
■■ And sing us now about the vow, 

They swore for to fulfil — " 
•' Ye'll read it yet in history," 

Said Rorv of the Hill. 



Next day the ashen handle, 

He took down from where if hung, 
The toothed rake, full scornfully. 

Into the tire he Hung, 
And in its stead a shining blade 

Is gleaming once again. 
(Oh! for a hundred thousand of 

Such weapons and BUch men!) 
Right soldierly he wielded it. 

And going through his drill — 
" Attention " — " charge " — " front point "- 
" advance! " 

Cried Rory of the Hill. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



75 



RORY OF THE HILL.— Continued. 
She looked at him with woman's pride, 

With pride and woman's fears; 
She flew to him, she clung to him, 

And dried away her tears; 
He feels her pulse heat truly. 

While her arms around him twine — 
" Now God be praised for your stout heart, 

Brave little wife of mine." 
He swung his first born in the air, 
While joy his heart did fill — 
" You'll be a Freeman yet, my boy," 

Said Rory of the Hill. 

Oh ! knowledge is a wondrous power, 

And stronger than the wind; 
And thrones shall fall and despots bow 

Before the might of mind; 
The poet and the orator 

The heart of man can sway, 
And would to the kind Heavens 

That Wolfe Tone were here to-day ! 
Yet trust me, friends, dear Ireland's strength, 

Her truest strength, is still. 
The roucih-and-ready roving boys, 

Like Rory of the Hill. 

W'RITTEN IN LETTERS OF GOLD. 

Engraven* in letters of honor and fame, 

In history's pages may be seen, 
The men, who for daring have gained a great 

name, 
Enshrined in the temple of fame one and all, 

Its memory is written with pride; 
And Ireland to-day with respect does recall 

Her sons who have gallantly died. 
In art or in science, with sword or w # ith pen, 

Those men have proved fearless and bold; 
So 1 will to-night sing in praise of the men 

Whose names are in letters of gold. 

On Fontenoy's fields stood the Irish Brigade, 

While cannons were booming around; 
At ' the word of command not a man was 
afraid, 

Although then in martyrdom crowned. 
Unheeding the battle, to victory they went, 

And Ireland remembers to-day 
The brave sons she to Fontenoy sent, 

Who proved to be first in the fray. 
But though they are gone, we remember them 
still, 

These heroes were fearless and bold; 
The Irish Brigade, who fought with a will, 

Their names are in letters of gold. 

On tablets of love are engraven the names 

Of men of such paramount works, 
As Goldsmith and Moore, whose poetical aims 

Have ranked with the finest on earth. 
Burke, G rattan, Wallace, Fitzgerald and Swift 

Are men whose bright intellect shone, 
Endeavoring with honor the curtain to lift, 

Which gloomed down dear old Ireland upon. 
There's Balfe. the compossr, Wolfe Tone and 
the rest, 

All true Irishmen will uphold; 
But now they're at rest and at peace with the 
hies*, 

Their names are in letters of •'old. 



THE OLD LEATHER BREECHES. 

It was at the sign of the Bell, on the road to Clonmel, 

Paddy Hegarty kept, a neat shebeen; 
He sold pig's meat and bread, kept a good lodgin' bed, 

And so well liked round the country had been, 
Himself and his wife both struggled thro' life, 

In the week days Pat mended the ditches; 
But on Sunday he dressed in a coat of the best, 

But his pride was his old leather breeches. 

For twenty-one years at least, so it appears, 

His father those breeches had run in — 
The morning he died he to his bedside 

Called Paddy, his beautiful son, in. 
Advice then he gave ere he went to the grave — 

He bid them take care of his riches — 
Says he, it's no use to pop into my shoes. 

But I'd wish you'd step into my breeches. 

Last winter the snow left provisions so low, 

Poor Paddy was eat out complately; 
The snow coming down he could not go to town, 

Thoughts of hunger soon bothered him greatly. 
One night as he lay dreaming away 

About big dogs, frogs and witches, 
He heard an uproar just outside of the door, 

And he jumped to steal on his ould leather breeches. 

Says Bryan M'Guirk, with a voice like a Turk, 

Paddy, come get us some eating; 
Says big Andy Moore, I'll burst open the door, 

For this is no night to be waiting. 
Scarce had he spoke when the door went in. broke, 

And they crowded 'round Paddy like leeches: 
By the great moral gob, if he didn't get them prog, 

They'd eat him clean out of his breeches. 

Now Paddy in dread slipt into his bed, 

That held Judy, his darling wife, in : 
And there he agreed to get them a feed — 

He slipt out and brought a big knife in. 
He took up the waist of his breeches — -the b;tste, 

And cut out the buttons and stitches; 
And cut them in stripes, by the way, they were tripes, 

And boiled them, his ould leather breeclu s. 

When the tripes were stew'd, on a dish they were strew'd, 

The boys all cried out, Lord be thanked; 
But Hegarty's wife was afraid of her life, 

She thought it high time for to shank it. 
To see how they smiled, for they thought Pat had boiled 

Some mutton and beef of the richest; 
But little they knew it was leather burgoo 

That was made out of Paddy's ould leather breeches. 

They wollipt the stuff, says Andy, it's tough, 

Says Paddy, you're no judge of mutton; 
When Bryan MeGuirk, on the point of a fork 

Lifted up a big ivory button. 
Says Darby, what's that? sure I thought it was fat, 

Bryan leaps on his legs, and he screeches, 
By the powers above, 1 was trying to shove 

My teeth through the flap of his breeches. 

They made at Pat, he was gone out of that, 

He run when he found them all rising — 
Says Bryan, make haste and go for the priest, 

By the holy Saint Jackstone, I'm poisoned. 
Revenge for the joke they had, for they broke 

All the chairs, tables, bowls and dishes; 
And from that very night they will knock out your daylight 

If they catch you with leather breeches. 



76 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



WRITTEN IN LETTERS OF GOLD.— Continm 
Where could a patriot, so brave and so good 

As the brave Robert Emmet be found? 
For be was a martyr, and Irishmen should 

liis praises forever resound. 
Mow great was the speech that he gave at his 
trial, 

Ere he to the cold grave did go ; 
His heart often bled for the Emerald Isle, 

Down-trodden and gored by the foe. 
Then while i have strength 1 will sing in the 
praise 

Of Emmet, the fearless and bold; 
His name and his fame, and the pluck of his 

Are written in letters of gold. 

Are written in letters of gold. 

SEARCH THE PAGE OF HISTORY. 

If an Irish lad just a word might say, 

I'll sing to you now a peculiar lay. 

Of my country, where tears wipe out every 

smile, 
Which is known to the world as the emerald 

isle ; 
Where the girls are the fairest you ever did 

see, 
But with England somehow we can never 

agree, 
Bad luck to the quarrels, it keeps us all 

down, 
Sure the shamrock's a friend to the rose and 

the crown. 



Chorus. 

If you search the page of history, there 
you'll find, 

Irishmen were never behind; 

With his bayonet by his side, Pat has often 
turned the tide, 

And helped to build the honor of old Eng- 
land. 

On the tablets of fame, if you are searching 

again, 
Poets and statesmen, and valiant men; 
Wolfe Tone, Robert Emmet and Brian Born, 
And Wellington great who gained famed 

Waterloo. 
So that's why I say, and I still will maintain, 
Our boys have fought hard in Victoria's reign. 
A id it is your duty, in truth you'll confess, 
To help poor Pat when his land's in dis- 
tress. — Chorus. 

I!, a small strip of ocean our lands are apart. 

no Btrip at all can divide a true heart: 
\fid that Paddy's heart is both loyal and true, 

i and in the history of you. 
On Majuba Hill Mountain their vengeance was 

swift. 
\>-d when will you ever forget the Rorke's 
Drift, 
in the Soudan, deeds that never can fade, 
Were done by the L8th Royal [rish Bri 
— Chorus. 



HEENAN A.\i> SAYERS. 

It was on the sixteenth day of April that they agred to fight, 
The money it was all put up and everything was right; 
But lleenan was arrested and brought to the county jail, 
Where he was held to keep the peace under three hundred bail. 

His friends went quickly there and they did bail him out, 

lie was forced to change his training ground and take another 

route; 
They thought for to discourage him, so as to prevent the mill, 
But having a brave heart in him, swore that Savers" blood he'd 

spill. 

To see those heroes in the ring it would make your heart feel gay, 
Each bore a .smile upon him lace in honor of the day ; 
The spectators they were eager those champions for to see, 
For they both said' that they'd either die or gain the victory. 

Time was called, they both stood up, the excitement it was great, 
To see those champions seeking to seal each other's fate: 
Savers he made a left hand punch at Heenan's pretty lace, 
\\ ho quickly dodged and with a blow laid Tommy near a case. 

But when the second round came on the Briton was up to time, 
Heenan made a pass at him, which slightly bruised his dial; 
His friends they began to cheer, which made Savers feel sad, 
For he thought that he'd easily win, which would make the 
Yankees mad. 

Savers was up to time again, and his face it bore a smile, 
Heenan made a pass at him, which slightly bruised his dial; 
He made a terrific right hand punch, which got home on Heenan's 

jowl. 
But quickly a sldge-hammer blow caused Sayers for to howl. 

A look of melancholy was upon each Briton's face, 

They thought that Sayers would get whipped and to England 

be a disgrace; 
But then he got a handsome b'ow on brave Heenan's nob, 
Their faces bore a smile again, and the betting on Sayers was 

odd. 

Time was called, they both were up to toe the scratch once 

more, 
Sayers got home on Heenan's mug, which made the Britons roar; 
lleenan followed quickly up, and as Sayers turned around, 
lie met him with a right hand blow which sprawled him on the 

ground. 

Bold Sayers was up to time again, and he looked very bad, 
lleenan looked as fresh again, which made the Britons mad: 
They had a little false sparring, then at each other did gaze, 
When lleenan sprawled him out again, which did the bulls 
amaze. 

Then the cheers and bawls of Heenan's friends would make your 

heart feel gay; 
For they were sure, they had not doubt, but he would gain the 

day : 
The friends of Sayers began to think that he would soon give in, 
And to think their champion would get beat it caused them to 

grin. 

The li;;ht was drawing to a close, the excitement growing worse, 
The friends of lleenan they did cheer — and of Savers, they did 

curse, 
The bulls were sure that lleenan would win. which caused them 

all to fret. 
For i very cent that they- were worth on Savers it was bet. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



77 



HEENAN AND SAYERS.— Continued. 
But then the thirty-seventh round came on to bo the last, 
The Briton's friend's they plainly saw their man was failing fast; 
When Heenan gave him another blow, which made them feel 

forlorn — 
The Briton's friends jumped in the ring and said the fight was 

drawn. 

But Heenan called on Sayers again to come and fight it out, 
But he was so badly punished he could scarcely open his mouth; 
Heenan said: The fight is mine — and stood upon his ground — 
Saying: I am the champion of the world, in the thirty-seventh 
round. 



THE VIRGIN MARY'S BANK. 

The evening star rose beauteous above the fading day, 
As to the lone and silent beach the Virgin came to pray, 
And hill and wave shone brightly in the moonlight's mellow fall; 
But the bank of green where Mary knelt was brightest of them 
all. 



Slow moving o'er the waters, a gallant bark appeared, 

And her joyous crew look'd from the deck as to the land she 

near'd ; 
To the calm and shelter'd haven she floated like a swan, 
And her wings of snow o'er the waves below in pride and beauty 

shone. 



The master saw our Lady as he stood upon the prow; 
And marked the whiteness of her robe — the radiance of her brow; 
Her arms were folded gracefully upon her stainless breast. 
And her eyes look'd up among the stars to Him her soul lov'd 
best. 



He showed her to his sailors, and he hail'd her with a cheer, 
And on the kneeling Virgin they gazed with laughter and jeer; 
And madly swore, a form so fair, they never saw before; 
And they curs'd the faint and lagging breeze that kept them 
from the shore. 

The ocean from its bosom shook off the moonlight sheen, 
And up its wrathful billows rose to vindicate their Queen; 
And a cloud came o'er the heavens, and a darkness o'er the land, 
And the scoffing crew beheld no more that Lady on the strand. 

Out burst the pealing thunder, and the lightning leap'd about; 
And rushing with its watery war, the tempest gave a shout; 
And that vessel from a mountain wave came down with thund'- 

ring shock ; 
And her timbers flew like scatter'd spray on Inehidony's rock. 

Then loud from all that guilty crew one shriek rose wild and 

high; 
But the angry surge swept over them, and hush'd their gurgling 

cry ; 
And down, till chafing from their strife, th' indignant waters 

lay, 
And with a hoarse exulting tone the tempest pass'd away, 

When the calm and purple morning shone out. on high Dunmore, 
Full many a mangled corpse was seen on Inehidony's shore; 
And to this day the fisherman shows where the scoffers sank; 
And still he calls that hillock green, " the Virgin Mary's bank." 



THE TRUE LOVERS' DISCUSSION. 

One pleasant evening, as pinks and daisies 

Closed in their bosoms a drop of dew. 
The feathered warblers of every species, 

Together chanted their notes so true. 
As I did stray, wrapped in meditation, 

It charmed my heart to hear them sing: 
The silenf orbs of niglit were jusi arising, 

And the air in concert did sweetly sing. 

With joy transported, each sight I courted; 

Whilst gazing 'round with inspective eye, 
Two youthful lovers, in conversation 

Closely engaged, I chanced to spj ; 
Those couple spoke with such force of reason, 

Their sentiments they expressed so clear, 
And just to listen to their conversation, 

My inclination was to draw near. 

He pressed her hand and said: "My darling, 

Tell me the reason you changed your mind; 
Or have I loved you to be degraded, 

Tho' youth and innocence are in their 
prime .' 
For I am slighted and ill requited 

For all the favors I did bestow: 
You'll surely tell me before I leave you, 

Why you're inclined now to treat me so." 

With great acuteness she made him answer, 

Saying: "On your favors I would rely, 
But you might contrive to blast my glory, 

And our marriage day you might hover by. 
Young men, in general, are fickle-minded, 

And to trusl you I am afraid: 
If for your favors I am indebted. 

Both stock and interest you shall be paid." 

" To blast your glory, love, I ne'er intended, 

Nor fickle-minded will I ever be; 
As for my debts, you can never pay them 

But by true love and loyalty. 
Remember, darling, our first engagement, 

When childish pastime was all we knew; 
Be true and constant — I'm thine forever — 

I'll brave all dangers and go with you." 

"Your proffer's good, sir, I thank you for it, 

But yet your offers I can't receive; 
By soft persuasion and kind endearment 

The wily serpent beguiled Eve. 
There's other reasons might be assigned, 

The highest tide love will ebb and fall; 
Another female might suit you better, 

Therefore I can't obey your call." 

" Yes, I'll admit the tide in motion 

Is always moving from shore to shore, 
But still its substance is never changing, 

Nor never will, till time's no more. 
I'll sound your fame with all loyal lovers, 

To fix their love on whose mind is pure, 
Where no existence can ever change it, 

Nor no physician prescribe a cure." 

She says: "Young man. to tell you plainly, 

To refrain you 1 am inclin^l. 
Another young man of b : rfh and fortune 

Has gained my favor and changed my mind. 
My future welfare I have considered. 

On fickle footing I'll never stand ; 
Besides, my parents would be offended 

To see you walking at my right hand." 



78 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE TRUE LOVERS' DISCUSSION.— Continued. 
" What had you, darling, when you were born? 

What nature gave, love — so had I — 
Your haughty parents I do disdain them, 

And poor ill-got riches I do deny. 
An honest heart, love, is far superior — 

Your gold and riches will soon decay; 
It's naked we came into this world, 

And much the same we'll go away." 



""You falsify when you say you love me, 

And slight my parents whom I love dear; 
I think it's justice, sir, to degrade you, 

If that's the course you mean to steer. 
By wealth, or feature, or art of nature, 

You're not my equal in any line; 
Since 1 conjure you, insist no farther, 

For to your wishes I'll not incline. ' 



"To falsify, love, I do deny it, 

Your imputation is wrong, I swear ; 
Like Eve, I find you're a real deceiver, 

Your heart's as full as your face is fair. 
For the want of riches you vainly slight me, 

And my complexion you do disdain; 
Our skin may differ, but true affection 

In black or white is all the same." 



" Oh ! curb your passion, sir ! " she did ex- 
claim, 

" It was not to quarrel I met you here, 
But to discourse you in moderation 

And a real intention to make appear. 
I speak with candor, I will surrender 

To what is proper in every way, 
If you submit to fair discussion. 

And reason's dictates you will obey." 

*' It's now too late to ask that question, 

When you despise me before my friends; 
Lebanon's plains, if you could command them, 

Are not sufficient to make amends. 
There's not a tree in the Persian forest 

Retains its color, excepting one: 
That is the laurel which I will cherish, 

And always carry in my right hand." 

" The blooming laurel you may admire, 

Because its verdure's always new, 
But there's another, you can't deny it, 

Is just as bright in the gardener's view; 
It's wisely resting throughout the winter, 

And blooms again when the spring draws 
near ; 
The pen of Homer has written its praises, 

In June and July it does appear." 

'" You speak exceedingly, but not corrective, 

With words supported, your cause is vain; 
Had you the tongue of a Syrian Goddess, 

Your exhortation I would disdain. 
It was your love that I did require, 

But since you've placed it on golden store, 
I'll strike my string and my harp shall mur- 
mur: 

Farewell, my love, forever more! " 



THE LADY OF KNOCK. 

Attend, y-ou faithful Christians, give car to what I say, 
It's of a glorious miracle occurred the other day ; 
Where our blessed Virgin did herself to sinners show, 
In the holy church of Knock, in the county of Mayo. 

A faithful few, to Mary, true, returning home at night, 

Upon the chapel wall did view a most transparent light; 

They stood amazed and on it gazed, and trembling struck with 

fear, 
When to their astonished eyes three statues did appear. 

On the right was blessed St. Joseph, upon his face a smile, 
His holy hands uplifted as he meant to bless this isle: 
Our blessed Lndy's hands were raised in an attitude of prayer, 
And in the right hand of St. John, God's holy word was there. 

The faithful few that saw the sight they say, both one and all, 
The holy apparition was some distance from the wall ; 
And on the left side of St. John appeared to view quite plain, 
An altar, cross, and the instruments by which the Lamb was 
slain. 

There are hundreds come from far and near our Lady's aid to 

seek, 
And by her aid the deaf and dumb are made to hear and speak; 
And many who were born blind now see the way to go 
From the holy r church of Knock to the county of Mayo. 

At the wedding feast of Galilee, our blessed lady said: 
Oh, Son Divine, there is no wine, but water there is instead; 
No sooner had she said the words when her aid, Divine, 
The water that was at the feast was turned into wine. 

Oh, blessed St. Joseph and St. John, we call upon your aid, 

And Holy Mother of our God, for sinners intercede; 

For the wonders that our Saviour did while preaching to His 

flock, 
Are done again, through Mary's aid, in the holy church of Knock. 

THE ENNISKILLEN DRAGOON. 

A beautiful damsel of fame and renown. 
A gentleman's daughter of fame and renown — 
As she rode by the barracks, this beautiful maid, 
She stood in her coach to see the dragoons' parade. 

They were all dressed out like gentlemen's sons, 

With their bright shining swords and carbine uuns. 

With their silver-mounted pistols — she observed them full soon, 

For to serve as a royal Enniskillen dragoon! " 

You bright son of Mars, who stands on the right, 
Whose armor doth shine like the bright stars of night, 
Saying: "Willie, dearest Willie, you've listed full soon. 
Saying: 'The Lord be with you, Enniskillen dragoon! '" 

''Oh, Flora! dearest Flora! your pardon I crave, 

It's now and forever I must be a slave — 

Your parents they insulted me both morning and noon, 

For fear that you'd wed an Enniskillen dragoon." 

"Oh, mind, dearest Willie ! oh, mind what you say, 

For children are bound their parents to obey : 

For when we're leaving Ireland, they will alfchange their tunc, 

Saying: ' The Lord be with you, Enniskillen dragoon! * " 

Fare you well. Enniskillen! fare you well for a while, 
And all aroinul the borders of Erin's green isle. 
And when the war is over we'll return in full bloom. 
And they'll all welcome home the Enniskillen dragoon. 



n 



Pc 

1 1, 
Kj 

tdoi 

I: i 



Ufa 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE LOVERS" DISCUSSION— Continued. 

She seemed affected, with eyes distracted, 

With loud exclaiming she thus gave way: 
" Sir, my denial was but a trial — 

You Gods! be witness to what I say. 
I say: My darling, if you don't forgive me, 

And quite forget my incredulity, 
A single virgin for your sake I'll wander, 

While a green leaf grows on yon laurel 
tree." 



THE MACS AND THE O'S. 



iW 



So, all young maidens, I pray take warning, 

Let love and virtue be still your aim; 
No worldly treasure should shield your 
pleasure 

With those whose person you do disdain. 
AH loyal lovers will then respect you, 

And to your memory will heave a sigh ; 
The blooming rose and evergreen laurel 

Will mark the spot where your body lies. 

Prom Ballynahinch, about two miles distance, 

Where blackbirds whistle and thrushes sing; 
With hills surrounding and valleys bounding, 

Enchanting prospect all in the spring. 
Where female beauty is never wanting, 

The lonely stranger a refuge find- 
Near Maria Tenpenny, if you require, 

You'll find the author of those simple lines. 



TWELVE STONE TWO. 

I feel so dreadful nervous that I'm frightened 
of my life, 

For by this time to-morrow I'll be fastened 
to a wife; 

An agricultural Irish girl that's twice the size 
of me ; 

Upon my word I'm doubtful what the conse- 
quence will be. 

Choeus. 

She's a fine big woman, and she knows that 

same, 
And early in the morning she'll possess my 

name ; 
But I feel so dreadful nervous, I don't know 

what to do, 
For to-morrow I must buckle on the twelve 

stone two. 

I would like to break the contract off, but 
that would never do ; 

My life would not be worth two straws, be- 
tween myself and you. 

I don't think she'd put me in a breach-of- 
promise case ; 

But with her big fist she'd make the breaches 
on my face. — Chorus. 

She made me drunk at Sullivan's, then sat 

upon my knee; 
Just imagine twelve stone two on a little chap 

like me. 
Twas she done all the courting, I had not one 

word to say, 
So like a helpless little lamb, I gave myself 

away. — Chorus. 



WHEN Ireland was founded by the Mac's and the O's, 

I never could learn, for nobody knows ; 

But history says they came over from Spain, 

To visit old Granna, and there to remain. 

Our fathers were heroes for wisdom and lame, 

For multiplication, they practiced the same ; 

St. Patrick came over to heal their complaints, 

And very soon maue them an is. and of saints. 



The harp and the shamrock were carried before 

Brave Roderick O'Connor and Roger O'Moore, 

And the good and bad deeds of the Mac's and the O's, 

And this is the tale that these verses disclose. 

Hugh Neil of Tyrone, O'Donnel, O'Moore, 

O'Brien, O'Kelly, O'Connell galore; 

All houses so royal, so loyal and old, 

One drop of their blood was worth ounces of gold. 



McDonnell, McDougal, 0*Curran, O'Keefe, 
Sly Redmond O'Hanlon, the Rapperrea chief; 
O'Malley, McNally, O'Sullivan rare, 
O'Failey, O'Daily, O'Burns of Kildare, 
O'Dougherty, chief of the Isle Innishone, 
McGuinness, the prince of the valleys of Down; 
The Collerns, Hollerans, every one knows, 
The Raffertys, Flahertys — they were all O's. 



One-eyed King McCormaek and great Phil McCoole, 

McCarty of Dermot and looley O'Toole ; 

Hugh Neil, the grand and great Brian Boru, 

Sir Tagon O'Regen and Con Donohue, 

O'Hara. O'Marrah, O'Connor, O'Kane, 

O'Carroll, O'Farrell, O'Brennen, O'Drane. 

With Murtaugh McDermot, that wicked old Turk 

Who had a crim. con. with the wife of O'Rourke. 



MeGra, McGrath, McGil, McKeon, 
McCadden, MeFadden, McCarron, McGlone; 
McGarren, McFarren, McClarey, McCoy, 
McHaley, McClinch, MeElrath, MeElroy. 
McMillen, McClellan, McGillan, McFinn, 
McCullagh, McCunn, McManus, McGyn; 
McGinley, McKinley, McCaffray, McKay, 
McCarral, McFarrell, McCurchy, McRay. 



O'Dillion, O'Dolan, O'Devlin, O'Doyle, 
O'Mullen, O'Nolan, O'Bolan, O'Boyle; 
O'Murray, O'Rooney, O'Cooney, O'Kane, 
O'Carey, O'Learv, O'Shea, and O'Shane. 
O'Brien, O'Rourke, O'Reiley, O'Neil ; 
O'Hagan, O'Reagan, O'Fagan, O'Sheil ; 
O'Dennis, O'Dwyer, O'Blaney, O'Flynn, 
O'Grady, O'Shaughnessy, Brian O'Lynn. 



The daughters of Erin are Ellen O'Roone, 

And Norah McCushla, and Sheelah McClune; 

With Kathleen Mavourneen and Molly Asthore, 

The beautiful charmers we love and adore. 

There is Donah McCushla and Widow McChree, 

There is Molly McGuire and Biddy McGee ; 

There is dear Norah Creina and Sheliah McGrath, 

And the mother of all is — sweet Erin-go-bragh ! 



bO 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE HUSH SPREE. 



\ fortnight ago, boys, me and Martin Brallagan, 
Timothy McCarty and Darby O'Callagan, 
Went for a spree down to Patsy Murphy's restaurant, 
And being fond of fun. of course, we took some girls along. 
We -aid to Murphy: Bring us half a gallon in 
Also some whisky tor the girls they re included >n; 
When he brought it in, we said shove it up to Flaherty, 
For he's our boss, and will settle up on Saturday. 
Murphy said: No! for he's had quite enough of us, 
lie strapped us and never got the stufl 01 us; 
WtfddX him brown, but we couldn't do him black ag.m 
So he picked up the drink and was going to take it back again 
When up jumped McCarty. and asked him what he meant by it? 
And swore if he did take it back he'd repent ot it 
Murphy said: Och! and was going to take the pitcher, 
When up jumped O'Callagan, and neatly knocked hi. snitchet. 
tie shouted: Murder! Police! and Suicide! 
Then to help him, Brallagan rushed up to his side. 
Gave him such a kick it nearly knocked his belly in, 
Then he called the barman, Patsy Kelly, in: 
In came Kelly, and he had a lot of swagger, too, 
Brought in a poker and tongs, and daggers, too: 
He got a clout that very soon hit him down, 
Since that day poor Kelly's never sit down 
Ban" went the bottles, and bang went the glasses, too, 
We \vere enjoying it, and so were the lasses, too; 
Smash went the windows, and smash went the furniture, 
Then on the fire we put it for to burn it, sure ; 
Then in the bar-room we turned the rum and whisky on, 
That's what the bovs and girls all got frisky on. 
Bi" John Burk and little Martin Brallagan 
Served us a trick, forget we never shall again ; 
Only because thev couldn't get a drop o' gin, 
What does they 'do but goes and calls a copper in: 
He got his head split, then we had the laugh at him, 
For when he was down we used his own club on him. 
He blew his whistle, when up came a score of them, 
Privates, detectives, sergeants, and more of them; 
They were no use, for we soon got the best of them; 
And when on the ground we danced on every chest of them. 
One got away, faith! it's true what 1 told you, 
He brought back with him a regiment of soldiers, 
Also a magistrate, because we wouldn't quiet act, 
\nd what does he do, but he goes and reads the not act. 
They seized McCarty, and then little Brallagan, 
Then into them went the girls and O'Callagan; 
They left sixteen dead upon the floor, they did, 
And' then I sloped out of the back door, I did. 
They have ten warrants out for murder and robbery, \ 
As for myself they can all go to bobbery, 
For I am going away as soon as day is dawning, 
I set sail for Australia in the morning. 

THE ROSE OF TRALEE. 

The pale moon was rising above the green mountain, 

The sun was declining beneath the blue sea, 
When I strayed with my love to the pure crystal fountain 

That stands in the beautiful vale of Tralee. 
She was lovely and fair as the rose in the summer, 

Yet 'twas not her beauty alone that won me, 
Oh. no, 'twas the truth in her eye ever dawning, 

That made me love Mary, the rose of Tralee. 

The cool shades of ev'ning their mantle was spreading. 
And Mary, all smiling, and list'ning to mo. 

The moon thro' the valley her pale rays was shedding. 
When 1 won the heart of the rose of Tralee. 

Though lovely and fair, etc. 



CHARMING JUDY CALLAGHAN. 

'Twas on a windy night 

At two o'clock in the morning, 
An Irish lad so tight, 

All wind ami weather scorning, 
At Judy Callaghan'a door, 

Sitting upon the palings. 
His love-tale he did pour. 

And this was part of his wailmgs: 

Only say 
You'll be Mrs. Brallaghan, 

Don't say nay. 
Charming Judy Callaghan! 



Oh! list to what I say. 

Charms you've got like \ enus; 
Own your love you may. 

There's hut the wall he: ween us. 
You lie fast asleep, 

Snug in bed and snoring; 
Round the house I creep. 

Your hard heart imploring. 
Only say 

You'll have Mr. Brallaghan; 
Don't say nay. 

Charming Judy Callaghan! 



I've got a pig and a sow. 

I've got a sty to sleep em; 
A calf and a' brindled cow. 

And a cabin, too, to keep 'em; 
Sunday hat and coat. 

An o'd gray mare to ride on; 
Saddle and bridle. t<> boot. 

Which you may ride astride on. 
Only say 

You'll' be Mrs. Brallaghan, 
Don't say nay. 

Charming Judy Callaghan! 



I've got an acre of ground; 

I've got it set with praties: 
I've go1 of 'baccy a pound; 

I've got some tea for the ladies; 
I've got the ring to wed. 

Some whisky to make us gaily; 
I've got a feather bed, 

And a handsome new shillelah 

You'll have Mr. Brallaghan: 
Only say 

You'll have Mr. Brallaghan : 
Don't say nay. 

Charming Judy Callaghan! 



You've got a charming eye. 

You've got some spelling and reading; 
You've got. and so have I. 

A taste for genteel breeding: 
You're rich, and fair, and young, 

As everybody's knowing; 
You've got a decent tongue 

When'er 'tis set agoing. 
Only say 

You'll have Mr. Brallaghan, 
Don't say nay. 

Charming Judy Callaghan! 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



81 



CHARMING JUDY CALLAGHAN.— Continued. 

For a wife till death 

I am willing to take ye! 
But och! 1 waste my breath— 

The divil himself can't wake ye. 
'Tis just beginning to ram, 

So I'll get under cover; 
To-morrow I'll come again, 

And be your constant lover. 
Only say 

You'll be Mrs. Brallaghan, 
Don't say nay. 

Charming Judy Callaghan! 

KILLARNEY. 

By Killarney's lakes and fells, 

Em'rald isles and winding bays. 
Mountain paths and woodland dells, 

Mem'rv ever fondly strays. 
Bounteous nature loves all lands, 

Beauty wanders ev'rywhere, 
Footprints leave on many strands, 

But her home is surely there. 
Angels fold their wings and rest 
In that Eden of the West; 
Beauty's home. Killarney, 
Ever fair Killarney. 



Innisfallen's ruined shrine 

May suggest a passing sigh, 
But man's faith can ne'er decline 

Such God's wonders floating by. 
Castle Lough and Glenna Bay, 

Mountains Tore and Eagle's Nest; 
Still at Mucross you must pray, 

Though the monks are now at rest. 
Angels wonder not that man 
There would fain prolong life s span ; 
Beauty's home, Killarney, 
Ever fair Killarney. 



No place else can charm the eye 

With such bright and varied tints; 
Every rock that you pass by, 

Verdure broidcrs or besprmts. 
Virgin there the green grass grows, 

Every morn Spring's natal day; 
Bright-hued berries daff the snows, 

Smiling Winter's frown away. 
Angels often pausing there, 
Doubt if Eden were more fair; 
Beauty's home, Killarney, 
Ever fair Killarney. 

Music there for echo dwells, 

Makes each sound a harmony; 
Many voiced the chorus swells, 

Till it faints in ecstasy. 
With the charmful tints below 

Seems the heaven above to vie; 
All rich colors that we know 

Tinge the cloud wreaths in that sky. 
Wings of angels so might shine, 
Glancing back soft light divine; 
Beauty's home, Killarney, 
Ever fair Killarney. 



TIM MACARTHY'S DAUGHTER. 

Tim Macarthy gave a party, invitations he sent out 
To two or three dozens of big-headed cousins, 

To tall and short and thin and stout; 

Mrs. Tim the room did trim, and candle-greased the floor so 
well 

That half of the dancers fell down in the lancers 
And hurt their — I'm afraid to tell; 

How they banged at the door, in they came with a roar- 
On, souch a teasing, a squeezing and sneezing, 

Tim Brannigan walked on the chests of a score; 
Oh, 'twas death to tall hats, coats got used up as mats, 

Till they were in with the struggle and din, 

You'd* have thought you were out in the yard with the cats. 



Chorus. 

Oh, 'twas a rare, fine, swell, grand, aristocratic affair, 

With dukes and earls and nice young girls, and everybody was 

there ; 
Never was seen in the land of the green such a set-out. you can 

swear, 
As the coming of age of Tim Macarthy's daughter. 

When the girls, all scent and curls, had undergone a few repairs, 

They heard a great tustle, Miss Finnerty's bustle 
The dog had gripped upon the stairs; 

Captain Foy, the stout old boy, while dancing on the stairs for 
joy, 
Fell through on his "crumpet" and yelled like a trumpet: 

" I'm wrecked entirely, ship ahoy! " 
Then the dancing began, girls all looked for a man; 

Oh, such a heat and a treading on feet, 
Well, the devil may beat such a dance if he can; 

How the ladies did flop, how the corks they did pop; 
Winking and blinking and thinking and drinking, 

Bedad! you'd have thought that they never would stop. — 
Chorus. 



Barney Doolin had been foolin' all the night with Miss Maguire, 

When in came young Jerry, her lover from Kerry, 
And pitched poor Doolin on the fire; 

In the room some boys with sticks for hours had talked on 
politics, 
And, hearing the row, said: "Come on wid ye now, 

And we'll teach yez all some fightin' tricks! " 
Off came coats by the pile, they went at it in style ; 

Buttons were bursting, shillelahs were thirsting 
To crack in a head or, at least, shift a tile; 

Every man made his mark, ne'er was seen such a lark, 
Till some great villain, who didn't want killing, 

Extinguished the lights and left all in the dark.— Chorus. 

All the ladies shrieked with fear, but when the boys their sides 
got near, 

And tenderly placed a right arm 'round each waist, 
They said: "Isn't the darkness nice? oh, dear! " 

Something smaek'd, and tho' each Miss when lights were bro't 
soon told us this, 
They'd snapped a gold ear-ring, yet still I am fearing 

The snap was nothing but a kiss; 
When the fighting was done, then we did have some fun, 

Boys lost their pains, readjusted their brains ; 
If they'd broken one leg, sure they danced upon one; 

Though for weeks they were sore, each man fervently swore, 
Never, oh, never did any one ever see 

Such an affair as Macarthy's before. — Chorus. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



LOVE'S WARNING. 

A faib lady once, with her young lover walked, 

Gillyflower, gentle rosemary ; 
Through a garden, and sweetly they laughed and they talked, 

While the dews fell over the mulberry tree. 

She gave him a rose — while he sighed for a kiss, 

Gillyflower, gentle rosemary; 
Quoth he, as he took it, " I kiss thee in this,'' 

While the dews fell over the mulberry tree. 

She gave him a lily less white than her breast, 

Gillyflower, gentle rosemary; 
Quoth he, " 'Twill remind me of one I love best;" 

While the dews fell over the mulberry tree. 

She gave him a two faces under a hood, 

Gillyflower, gentle rosemary; 
"How blest you could make me," quoth he. " if you would,'' 

While the dews fell over the mulberry tree. 
She saw a forget-me-not flower in tin- L'm-s.' 
She saw a for-get-me-not flower in the grass, 

Gillyflower, gentle rosemary ; 
Ah! why did the lady that little llower pass? 

While the dews fell over the mulberry tree. 

The young lover saw that she passed it, and sigh'd, 

Gillyflower, gentle rosemary ; 
They say his heart broke, and he certainly died, 

While the dews fell over the mulberry tree. 

Now, all you fair ladies, take warning by this, 

Gillyflower, gentle rosemary ; 
And never refuse your young lover a kiss, 

While the dews fell over the mulberry tree. 

SOGGARTH AROON. 

Am I the slave they say, soggarth aroon? 

Since you did show the way,"soggarth aroon, 

Their slave no more to be, "while they would work with me 

Ould Ireland's slavery, soggarth aroon? 

Why not her poorest man, soggarth aroon. 
Try and do all he can, soggarth aroon; 
Her commands to fulfil, of his own heart and will, 
Side by side with you still, soggarth aroon! 

Loyal and brave to you, soggarth aroon, 

Yot be not slave to you, soggarth aroon; 

Nor, out of fear to you, stand up so near to you, 

Och! out of fear to you! soggarth aroon. 

Who, in the winter's night, soggarth aroon, 
Wheu the could blast did bite, sogagrth aroon. 
Game to my cabin door, and on my earthen flure, 
Knelt by me, sick and poor, soggarth aroon? 

Who, on the marriage day, soggarth aroon, 

Made the poor cabing gay, soggarth aroon; 

Aria did both laugh and sing, making our hearts to ring 

At the poor christening, soggarth aroon? 

Who, aa friends only met, soggarth aroon, 

Never did flout me yet, sogagrth aroon ? 

And when my hearth was dim, gave, while his eyes did brim, 

What I should give to him, soggarth aroon? 

Och, you, and only you, soggarth aroon! 

And for this I was true to you, soggarth aroon; 

In love they'll never shake, when, for ould Ireland's sake 

We a true part did take, soggarth aroon. 



TEDDY M'GLYNN. 

I left me old mother wid one little brother, 
And came to this country when scarcely a 
boy; 
And though I am Irish, and lived on the 
parish, 
I'm first-cousin-German to Patrick Molloy. 
I came in short breeches that often lacked 
stitches, 
Had nails in my shoes fit for horses to 
wear ; 
Me mother'd not know me, but if you would 
show me, 
I'd quick know me mother and Dublin of 
yore 3 
I'm Teddy M'Glynn, from the town of Dublin, 
And that's the name you will lind ou me 
door. 



I've worked ami I've waited, me brains I've 
berated, 
I've been to the schools, and to Lannigan'a 
ball; 
Me father was uncle to Kathleen Mavoumeen, 
So I'm proud of me kindred, me mother and 
all. 
But now I'm a lawyer, and feel like a warrior, 
I'll dance you the lancers or jig if you ( -nil ; 
I've kept me shillelah, and own I'm most 
crazy 
To see me ould mother and Dublin once 
more; 
I'm Teddy M'Glynn, from the town of Dublin, 
And that is the name you will find on me 
door. 

And soon I'll be goin' the truth to be knowin 
And judge for meself of ould Ireland's woes; 
If green I am wearing, the shamrock is shar- 
ing 
The love in me heart for me countrv's re- 
pose. 
For light is now dawning, and libertv's morn- 
ing 
Will shed its warm ray on ould Ireland's 
shore ; 
Then Katy I'll marry, and no longer tarry, 
To see me ould mother and Dublin* once 
more ; 
Then Mister M'Glynn, when at home in 
Dublin, 
Will welcome you all at his new cabin door. 

I've found many cronies among the Maloneys, 
And often drank whisky with Phelim 
O'Toole ; 
O'Brien and McNeilly, and poor Miles 
O'Reilly, 
Were all of us sprung when we waked Tim 
McDoul. 
In the finest society, famed for sobriety. 
I'm welcomed with pride at each Fenian 
ball, 
I'll soon be an alderman like Jimmv F!ana<ran 
Who lives on Fifth Avenue, as good as them 
all ; 
I'm Teddy M'OIynn. from the town of Dublin 
And that is the name you will find on me 
door. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



83 



LARRY MAGEE'S WEDDING. 

Pay attention a while and I'll sing you a ditty 

About the grand wedding of Larry Magee, 
Who dwelt in a fashionable part of the city, 

An illigant tine mansion in Avenue D, 
And the great time we had at the wedding, 

Where whisky and fun tied around so free ; 
And dancing and singing set the room ringing 

At the grand wedding of Larry Magee. 

There was Con Donohoe with his old fiddle, 

McGinnis, the fishman, and Jerry McShane ; 
O'Brien, O'Calligan and Timothy Widdle, 
Who brought to the weddin' his bran new 
corjane, 
With big Andy Fagan, the great whisky 
drinker, 
Barney Fitzgibbons and Dennis Farlee ; 
McCluskey, the butcher, and old Doyle, 
tinker, 
Were all at the wedding of Larry Magee 



the 



SLATTERY'S MOUNTED ITT. 



The guests of both sexes all ate very hearty, 
And crammed themselves up to the very 
windpipe; 
When an accident happened to Molly MsCarty, 
She half choked herself with a large piece of 
tripe — 
If you were to see Riley sail into the mutton, 

While all of the ladies did titter with glee; 
He fasted two days, the dirty old glutton, 
To make room for the supper of Larry 
Magee. 

When the supper was over, the curjane and 
fiddle 
Struck up the Grand Weddin' of Ballypo- 
reen; 
Then the bride made a call upon Timothy 
Widdle, 
Who sang, the Night Larry was Stretched 
on the Green. 
McGinnis, the fisherman, sang the Croppy Boy 
gaily, 
And Tim Hooligan gave us the Boys of 
Tralee ; 
While Miss Kitty Baily sang the Sprig of 
Shillelah, 
At the grand weddin' of Larry McGee. 

We danced and sung for two hours and a 
quarter, 
And we drank whisky until we were sick ; 
When big Andy Fagan swore the whisky was 
water, 
And Flaherty leveled him out with a stick. 
The women they roared out blue murder and 
blazes! 
Roach broke the old fiddle on the back of 
Farlee; 
Doyle seized a dumplin' (God bless us and 
save us! ) 
Which he flung at the head of Larry Magee. 

Larry saw that his friends were full of the 

liquor, 
And knew very well to some harm 'twould 

come ; 
So, he told them 'twas twelve o'clock by the 

ticker, 



You've heard of Julius Caesar, and the great Napoleon, too, 
And how the Cork militia beat the Turks at Waterloo; 
But there's a page of glory that as yet remains uncut, 
And that's the martial story of the Slattery Mounted Fut. 
This gallant corps was organized by Slattery's eldest son, 
A noble-minded poacher with a double-breasted gun; 
And many a head was broken, aye, and many an eye was shut, 
When practicing maneuvers in the Slattery Mounted Fut. 

Chorus. 

And down from the mountains came the squadrons and 
platoons, 

Four-and-twenty fighting men and a couple of stout gossoons; 

And when we marched behind the drum to patriotic tunes, 

We felt that fame would gild the name of Slattery's Light Dra- 
goons. 

Well, first we reconnoitered 'round of O'Sullivan's shebeen — 
It used to be the " Shop House," but we called it " The Can- 
teen;" 
But there we saw a notice which the bravest heart unnerved — 
" All liquor must be settled for before the drink is served." 
So on we marched, but soon again each warrior's heart grew pale, 
For rising high in front of us we saw the county jail; 
And when the army faced about, 'twas just in time to find 
A couple of policemen had surrounded us behind. 

Chorus. 
Still down from the mountain came the squadrons and 

platoons, 
Four-and-twenty fighting-men and a couple of stout gossoons; 
Says Slattery: " We must circumvent these bludgeoning 
boothoons, 
Or else it sames they'll take the names of Slattery's Light 
Dragoons." 

" We'll cross the ditch," our leader cried, " and take the foe in 

flank;" 
But yells of consternation here arose from every rank, 
For posted high upon a tree we very plainly saw — 
" Trespassers prosecuted, in accordance with the law." 
"We're foiled! " exclaimed bold Slattery, "here ends our grand 

campaign, 
'Tis merely throwing life away to face that mearin dhrain; 
I'm not as bowld as lions, but I'm braver nor a hen; 
And he that fights and runs away will live to fight again." 

Chorus. 
And back to the mountains went the squadrons and platoons, 
Four-and-twenty tighting-men and a couple of stout gossoons; 
The band was playing cautiously their patriotic tunes; 
So sing the fame, if rather lame, of Slattery's Light Dragoons. 

They reached the mountain safely, though all stiff and sore with 

cramp ; 
Each took a wet of whisky nate to dissipate the damp; 
And when they loaded all their pipes, bowld Slattery ups and 

said — 
" To-day '8 immortal fight will be remembered by the dead;" 
" I never shall forget," said he, " while this brave heart shall 

beat, 
The eager way ye followed when I headed the retreat; 
Ye preferred the soldier's maxim, when desisting from the strife: 
' Best be a coward for five minutes, than a dead man all your 
life.' " 

CnoRus. 
And there in the mountains lay in squadrons and platoons, 
Those four-and-twenty fighting-men and a couple of stout gos- 
soons ; 
They never more will march again to patriotic tunes. 
Tho' all the same they sing the fame of Slattery's Ligkt Dra- 
goons. 



84 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



LARRY MAGEE'S WEDDING.— Continued. 
And to take a good bumper before starting 
home. 
Thev filled up their glasses to the toast of 
Pat Daily, 
Who hoped, before long, a young Larry to 
see ; 
While the bride, neat and gaily, smiled so 
gentaly — 
And so ended the wedding of Larry MeGee. 

THE OLD PLAID SHAWL. 

On ! as I did amble down by a bramble. 

On a bright dear morn in the month of May. 
Faith! 1 spied a damsel, both fair and hand- 
some. 
And 1 stepped aside for to hear what she did 
say. 
Faith! she wore no jewels, nor costly diamonds. 

Oh! she'd no jewelry, she'd none at all; 
But she wore a chignon, and sang a sweet song, 
And to crown her beauty she wore an old 
plaid shawl. 

Faith! we kept on walking, we kept on talking, 
And the divil a one of us knew when to stop; 
When she says, " Young man, what profession 
are you ? " 
Says I, " My love, I'm a clerk in a 'pothe- 
cary's shop." 
I wasn't minding, I wasn't thinking, 
Oh! I wasn't thinking a bit at all; 
When she landed me and knocked me kicking — 
May the divil shoot the damsel with the old 
plaid shawl. 

PADDY McGEE. 

Och ! did ye ne'er hear of one Paddy Magee, 
Whose mother was born at the town of Tralee: 
Whose father the government sent off to sea, 
For stealing the minister's whiskey? 
At christening, wedding, wake or fair, 
Och! Paddy, the divil, was sure to be there, 
With his nate black eye and his impudent 

leer, 
For he was the boy to be frisky. 

See him dressed for the fair, Gramaehree, 'twas 
a sight ! 

First foot in the dance, first stick in the fight : 

For a friend he would die, the wrong he'd make 
right, 

For he was the boy to be frisky. 

He'd lead the girls out on the floor, 
The divil such dancing was ne'er seen before; 
Till one and all would fall on the floor, 
While Paddy, the divil, was frisky. 

As to the girls, och, murder alive! 

Faith! they'd run after Paddy like bees in a 

hive ; 
For his soft blarney'd tongue he would them 

enshrive. 
For he was the boy to be frisky. 

So my blessing go wid you, Paddy Magee. 
May ye's live to see Ireland great, glorious 

and free, 
First flower of the earth, first gem of the sea, 
And then won't we tipple the whisky! 



THE GAEL AND THE GREEN. 

COME, till every glass to o'erflowing with wine or potheen, if you 

will. 
Or if anything these are too glowing let water replace them — 

but fill! 
oil! trust me, 'tis churlish and silly to ask how the bumper's 

tilled up. 
If the tide in the heart be not chilly, what matters the tidi 

cup? 
Oh! ne'er may that heart's tide ascending i:: shan <■ on our ■ 

heads be seen, 
While it nobly can ebb in defending our own glorious color. 

Green ! 

In vain did oppression endeavor to trample that Green under foot, 
The lair stem was broken, but never could tyranny reach to its 

root ; 
Then come, and around it let's rally, and guard it h 'nceforwai d 

like men ; 
Oh! soon shall each mountain and valley grow bright with ii> 

verdure again. 
Meanwhile, fill each glass to the brim, boys, with water, With 

wine or potheen, 
And on each let the honest wish swim, boys, long flourish the 

Gael and the Green! 

Here, under our host's gay dominion, while gathered this table 

around, 
What varying shades of opinion in one happy circle are found; 
What opposite creeds come together! how mingle North, South, 

East and West ! 
Yet who minds the difference a feather? each strives to love Erin 

the best. 
Oh! soon through our beautiful island may union as blessed be 

seen, 
While floats o'er each valley and highland our own glorious color 

— the Green. 

MY BONNY LABORING BOY. 

As I roved out one morning, being in the blooming spring, 
I heard a lovely maid complain, and grievously did sing — 
Sa3'ing, Cruel was my parents, that did me so annoy. 
And would not let me marry my bonny laboring boy. 

\oung Johnny was my true love's name, as you shall plainly see, 
My parents they employed him their laboring boy to be; 
To harrow, reap, and sow the seed, and plow my father's land, 
But soon I fell in love with him, as you may understand. 

My mother thought to have me wed unto some lord or peer, 
I being the only heiress for ten thousand pounds a year; 
I placed my heart on one true love, and he was my only joy, 
This nation I will ramble with my bonny laboring boj'. 

His cheeks are like the roses red. his eyes as black as sloes, 
He's mild in his behavior wherever that he goes; 
He's manly, neat and handsome, his skin as white ;is snow. 
And in spite of my parents' malice with my bonny laboring boy 
I'll go. 

I courted him for twelve long months. bu1 little did I know 
That my cruel parents would prove my overthrow; 
They watched us close one evening whilst in a shady grove, 
Pledging our vows together in the constant bands of love. 

My father he stepped up to me and seized me by the hand, 
And swore he'd send young Johnny unto some foreign land; 
fie locked me in my bedroom my comforts to annoy. 
And kept me there to weep and mourn for my laboring boy. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



85 



MY BONNY LABORING BOY.— Continud. 

My mother came next morning and to me did say: 

Your father has intended to appoint your wedding day; 

1 nobly made answer, with him I'd neer comply, 

But single would I still remain lor my bonny laboring boy. 



Says the daughter to the mother, your plan is all in vain — 
Lords, dukes and earls, their riches 1 disdain ; 
I'd rather live an humble life, my time 1 would employ 
Increasing nature's prospects with my bonny laboring boy. 

Fill your glasses to the brim, let the toast go merrily round, 
Here's health to every laboring boy that plows and works the 

ground ; 
And when his work is over to his home he will go with joy — 
Happy is the girl that gets a bonny laboring boy. 



ANDY M'ELROE. 

My brother Andy said that for a soldier he would go; 

So great excitement came upon the house of McElroe. 

My father sold the bog-hole to equip him for the war. 

My mother sold the cushions of her Sunday jauntin'-car ; 

And when brave Andy reached the front 'twas furious work he 

made ; 
They appointed him a private in the Crocodile Brigade. 
The sound of Andy's battle-cry struck terror through the foe; 
His foot was on the desert and his name was McElroe! 

Chorus. 

At least that's what the letter said that came across the foam, 
To Andy's anxious relatives, awaiting him at home. 
The papers say he ran away whene'er he met the foe ; 
But that was quite unlike the style of Andy McElroe. 

One morning brave Lord Wolsley for a battle felt inclined; 
But all could see the General had something on his mind ; 
Sez he, " My staff, 'twere dangerous to face yon deadly foe, 
Unless we're sure that quite prepared is Andy McElroe." 
Then Andy cried, " I'm here, my lord, and ready for the fray." 
Then England, Ireland, Scotland, rolled together on the foe; 
But far ahead of every one rushed Andy McElroe! 

Chorus. 

At least that's what the letter said that came across the foam, 
To Andy's anxious relatives, awaiting him at home. 
The Government despatches had another tale — but no! 
We won't believe a word against brave Andy McElroe. 

The Mahdi had gone up a tree, a spy-glass in his eye, 

To see his Paynim chivalry the . .orthern prowesstry: 

But soon he saw a form of dread, and cried in tones of woe, 

" Be jabers, let me out o' this — there's Andy McElroe! " 

Then down he hurried from his tree, and straight away he ran, 

To keep appointments, as he said, in distant Kordefan; 

And fled those Arab soldiery like sand siroccos blow, 

Pursued (with much profanity) by Andy McElroe. 

Chorus. 

At least that's what he told us when returning o'er the foam, 
To greet his anxious relatives, awaiting him at home. 
So sing the song of triumph, and let nil your bumpers flow, 
In honoT of our countryman, brave Andy McElroe. 



ERIN'S FLAG. 

Unroll Erin's flag! fling its folds to the 

breeze, 
Let it float o'er the land, let it flash o'er the 

seas; 
Lift it out of the dust — let it wave as of yon-, 
When its chiefs with their clans stood around 

it and swore 
That never — no — never! while God gave them 

life, 
And they had an arm and a sword for the 

strife, 
That never — no — never! that banner should 

yield 
As long as the heart of a Celt was its shield ; 
While the hand of a Celt had a weapon to 

wield, 
And his last drop of blood was unshed on the 

field. 



Lift it up! wave it high! — 'tis as bright as of 
old! 

Not a stain on its green, not a spot on its gold, 

Tho' the woes and the wrongs of three hun- 
dred long years 

Have drenched Erin's sunburst with blood and 
with tears! 

Though the clouds of oppres-ion enshroud it 
in gloom, 

And 'round it the thunders of tyranny boom. 

Look aloft — look aloft! lo! the clouds drift- 
ing by, 

There's a gleam through the gloom, there's a 
light in the sky. 

'Tis the sunburst resplendent — far, flashing on 
high! 

Erin's dark night is waning; her day dawn is 
nigh. 

Lift it up — lift it up! the old Banner of 

Green ! 
The blood of its sons has but brightened its 

sheen; 
What! — though the tyrant has trampled it 

down, 
Are its folds not emblazoned with the deeds of 

renown ? 
What! — though for ages it droops in the dust, 
Shall it droop thus forever? — no — no! God is 

just! 
Take it up — take it up, from the tyrant's foul 

tread. 
Let him tear the Green Flag — we will snatch 

its last shred. 
And beneath it we'll bleed as our forefathers 

bled, 
And we'll vow by the dust in the graves of our 

dead. 

And we swear by the blood which the Briton 
has shed — 

An;! we'll vow by the wrecks which through 
Erin he spread — 

And we'll swear by the thousands who, fam- 
ished, unfed. 

Died down in the ditches — wild howling for 
bread. 

And we'll vow by our heroes, whose spirits 
have lied, 



86 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



ERIN'S FLAG.— Continued. 
And we'll swear by the bones in each coffinle-s 

bed, 
That we'll battle the Briton through danger 

and dread ; 
That we'll cling to the cause which we glory 

to wed, 
Till the gleam of our steel and the shock of 

our lead 
Shall prove to our foe that we meant what we 

said — 
That we'll lift up the Green, and well tear 

down the Red. 
Lift up the Green Flag! oh! it wants to go 

home ; 
Full lonti has its lot been to wander and roam; 
It has followed the fate of its sons o'er the 

world, 
But its folds, like their hopes, arc not faded 

nor furled; 
Like a weary-winged bird, to the cast and the 

west, 
It has flitted and fled— but it never shall rest, 
Till pluming it pinions, it sweeps o'er the 

main, 
And speeds to the shores of its old home again, 
Where its fetterless folas, o'er each mountain 

and plain, 
Shall wave with a glory that never shall wane. 
Take it up— take it up! bear it back from 

afar — . 

That banner must b'.aze 'mid the lightnings 

.s:;r: 
Lay your hands on its folds, lift your gaze to 

the sky 
And swear that you'll bear it triumphant or 

die! 
And shout to the clans scattered far o er the 

earth, 
To join in the march to the land of their birth ; 
And wherever the exiles, 'neath Heaven's 

broad dome, 
Have been fated to suffer, to sorrow and roam, 
They'll bound to the sea, and away o'er the 

foam , 
They'll sail to the music of " Home, Sweet 
Home! " 

WIDOW MCGEE. 
Though old Erin's oppressed, 'tis a beautiful 
place, 
'Tis the pride of my heart and will be till 
1 die; 
It was there I last looked on your blushing 
young face, 
And got a sweet smile from your bonnie 
black eye. 
When you told me " farewell,'' how my bosom 
did swell 
With emotions of sorrow when crossing the 
sea; 
And I never could part with the love of the 
heart 
Which I brought over with me for Widow 
McGee. 

I 'noitrs. 

Arrah! Widow McGee, are you thinking 

of me': | sea, 

If you are, write a letter from over the 

And tell me you'll marry me. Widow 

McGee. 



WILLY REILLY. 

"Oh, rise up, Willy Reillly, and come along with me, 
1 mean lor to ;, r o with you and leave this countrie, 
To leave my father's dwelling-house, his houses and free land — ' 
And away goes Willy Ileilly and his dear Colleen Bawn. 
They go by hills and mountains, and by yon lonsome plain, 
Through shady groves and valleys, all dangers to refrain; 
But her father followed after with a well armed band, 
And taken was poor Reilly and his dear Colleen Bawn. 

It's home then she was taken and in her closet bound. 
Poor Reilly all in Sligo jail lay on the stony ground, 
Till at the* bar of justice before the judge he'd stand, 
For nothing but the stealing of his dear Colleen Bawn. 

" Now in the cold, cold iron, my hands and feet are bound, 
I'm handcuffed like a murderer, and tied unto the ground; 
But all the toil and slavery I'm willing for to stand. 
Still hoping to be succored by my dear Colleen Bawn." 

The jailer's son to Reilly goes, and thus to him did say: 
" Oh, get up, Willy Reilly, you must appear this day. 
For great Squire Foillard's anger you never can withstand, 
I'm afear'd you'll suffer sorely for your dear Colleen Bawn." 

Now Willy's dressed from top to toe all in a suit of gr( ( n. 
His hair hangs o'er his shoulders most glorious to be seen; 
lie's tall and straight, and comely, as any could be found, 
He's fit for Foillard's daughter was she the hein ss to a crown. 

" This is the news, young Reilly. last night that 1 did hear, 
The lady's oath will hang you, or else will set you clear." 
"If that be so," says Reiily. "her pleasure I will stand, 
Still hoping to be succored by my dear Colleen Bawn." 

The judge he said: "This lady being in her tender youth, 
If Reilly has deluded her she will declare the truth." 
Then like a moving beauty bright before him she did stand — 
"You're welcome there, my heart's delight and dear Colleen 

Bawn." 
"Oh, gentlemen," Squire Foillard said, "with pity look on me, 
This villain came amongst us to disgrace our family: 
And by his base contrivances this villainy was planned, 
If I don't get satisfaction I'll quit this Irish land." 

The lady with a tear began, and thus repli sd she: 

" The fault is none of Reilly's, the blame lies all on me. 

I forced him for to leave his place and come along with me, 

I loved him out of measure, which wrought our destiny." 

Out spoke the noble Fox, at the table he stood by, 

"(ih. gentlemen, consider on this extremity; 

To hang a man for love is a murder, you may si i . 

So spare the life of Reilly, let him leave this countrie." 

" Good, my lord, he stole from her her diamonds and her rings, 
Gold watch and silver buckles, and many precious things, 
Which cost me iu bright guineas more than ; \ hundred pounds — 
1 11 have the life of Reilly should I lose ten thousand pounds." 

"Coed, my lord. I gave them him as tokens of true love, 
And when we are a-parting 1 will them all remove, 
Tf you have got them, Reilly, pray, send them home to me." 
" I will, my loving lady, with many thanks to thee." 

"There is a ring among them I allow yourself 
With thirty locket diamonds well set in silver fair. 

as a ( i ne-to\ e token wear it on n 1. 

Tli.it you'll think on my poor brok n heart when you're in a 
foreign laid." 

Then out spoke noble Fox: "Yon ma;* Ie1 tl • prisoner go, 
The lady's oath has im, as the jurj all may know; 

She has released her own ti she has renewed his name, 

May ber honor bright gain high estate, and her offspring rise to 

fa ill"! " 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



87 



WIDOW McGEE.— Continued. 
Do you mind the black night, when the pigs 
in the lane 
Came grunting along to the gate where we 
stood ? 
They all scampered in to keep out of the rain, 
Then I asked 3'ou to have me, and you said 
that you would. 
But I left you, you know and I told you I'd 



go 
To a country more beautiful, happy and 
free ; 
Where I'd buy me a lot, and build me a cot, 
And send to old Erin for Widow McGee. — 
Chorus. 

Troth, I have me the home with a big yara 
before, 
And a cow in the stable, a pig in the sty; 
And at night when I'm smoking my pipe in 
the door, 
Och! the divil a king half so happy as I. 
But what's a man's life when he's wanting a 
wife? 
Faith! he's like an old ship with no rudder 
at sea : 
So I'll heave out uiy rope with the anchor of 
hope, 
And I'll wait till I'm married to Widow 
McGee. — Chokus. 

THE LOW-BACKED CAR. 
When first I saw sweet Peggy, 
'Twas on a market day, 
A low-backed car she drove, and sat 

Upon a truss of hay. 
And when the hay was blooming grass 

And decked with flowers of spring, 
No flower was there that could compare 

With the blooming girl I sing. 
As she sat in her low-backed car, 
The man at the turnpike bar 
Never asked for the toll, 
But just rubbed his ould poll, 
And looked after the low-backed car. 

In battle's wild commotion. 

The proud and mighty Mars 
With hostile scythes demands his tithes 

Of death — in warlike cars. 
While Peggy, peaceful goddess, 

Has darts in her right eye, 
That knock men down in the market-town, 

As right and left they fly — 
While she sits in her low-backed car, 
Than battle more dangerous far, 
For the doctor's art 
Cannot cure the heart 
That is hit from that low-backed car. 
Sweet Peggy round her car, sir, 

Has strings of ducks and geese, 
But the scores of hearts she slaughters 

By far outnumber these; 
While she among her poultry sits 

Just like a turtle-dove, 
Well worth the cage, I do engage, 

Of the blooming god of love! 

While she sits in the low-backed car, 

Her lovers come near and far, 

And envy the chicken 

That Peggy is piekin' 

As she sits in the low-backed car. 



IRELAND'S WELCOME. 



And Shamus, allhay, is it thrue, what they say, this news from 

the Parliament, 
That all of my boys, my sojer boys, back home are to be sent? 
Back home are to* be sent, allhay, in shame and black disgrace, 
For having, inside their scarlet coats, the heart of their grand old 

race? 

Chorus. 

From my heart 1 say, God bless this day, 

My bouchal bawn machree; 
Without penny or pack to tack to your back, 
You're welcome home to me. 

They'll be sorry and sore when you're not to the fore these dan- 
gerous coming years, 

Oh, I forget, they're bairns yet, mush, see their volunteers; 

And whin those bairns meet the foe, faith vic'tries will be scant, 

'Tis right enough, you're not the stuff, 'tis min wid legs they'll 
want. 

From my heart I say, etc. 

Whin you, like a thraveling killin' machine, o'er land and say did 

roam, 
Did it ever inther your mind at all, you'd have work to do at 

home? 
You'd have work to do at home, allhay, of the easiest, quarriest 

kind, 
Alanna machree, come hither to me — there's somethin' in the wind. 

From my heart I say, etc. 

In dark and in dawn, na bouchaleen bawn, they thried to coax 
you away, 

Wid bounties, and medals, and dhrunis, and fifes, and ribbons so 
bright and gay; 

Machree, I knew to me you'd be thrue, through thick and thin 
aich day; 

For hearts so brave never beat in the slave who'd fight for noth- 
ing but pay. 

From my heart 1 say, etc. 

Did these wholesale despots think, allhay, they bought you out 
and out 

Whin they gave you a rag to cover your back, and a bit to put in 
your mouth? 

They thought you'd forget alanna machree, for they spoke so 
smooth and fair, 

How they rooted you out of house and home and left you starv- 
ing and bare. 

From my heart I say, etc. 

The old home is in ruins now, 'twas the peelers, sure, pulled it 

down, 
And mother and Eileen they died that night in the snow going 

into the town ; 
In the old graveyard they are lying, allhay, above them the night 

wind moans, 
Alanna machree, sure you'll thry to free the s-d that covers 

their bones? 

From my heart I say, etc. 

In life there's nothing nobler than revenge for our marfyr'd dead ; 
To lighten the load of the hand oppressed, to give the hungry 

bread; 
To strive for the poor, the plundered poor, with a brother's 

strong, true hand, 
To march to the grand old music still, for God and our mother 



land. 



From my heart I say, etc. 



88 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE LOW-BACKED CAR.— Continued. 
Oh, 1 d rather own that car, sir, 

With Peggy by my side, 
Than a coach-and-four and gold galore, 

And a lady for my bride. 
For the lady would sit fornenst me 

On a cushion made with taste, 
And Peggy would s.t beside me 

With my arm around her waist — 
While we dun ■ in the low-backed car 
To be married by Father Maher. 
Oh, my heart would beat high 
At her glance and her sigh, 
Though it beat in a low-backed car \ 

LOVE IN REALITY. 

Away with the nonsense of vain poetasters, 
Their sighing and dying's all lying and 
fudge ; 
They say love's a disease full of woes and dis- 
asters : 
I deny it, point-blank, and I think I'm a 
judge. 

I boldly assert by my manhood, that no man 

Is all that he should be who is not in love; 

And Providence, sure, sent us beautiful 

woman, 

The joy, not the plague, of existence to 

prove. 

For myself, I'm in love head and ears at the 
present, 
With a maid like a young swan so graceful 
and fair, 
And the symptoms I find, on the whole, very 
pleasant, 
And just the reverse of what poets declare. 

I shed not a tear, and I ne'er think of sigh- 
ing ; 
I moan not, I groan not, in fanciful woe; 
And if truth must be told, I am so far from 
dying 
Of love but for love I'd have died long ago. 

I keep up Uesh and blood for the sake of this 
beauty ; 
I make it a point to be sound wind and 
limb ; 
I eat well, 1 drink well, I sleep as a duty, 
For then of my love all sweet things I can 
dream. 

I can listen to music and still feel delighted; 
It shakes not my spirits to hear a sweet 
song; 
My peace is quite steady, not like one af- 
frighted 
Or a tree down a torrent swept swiftly 
along. 

I've my voice at command, and my words are 
ne'er wanting ; 
And it halt' of the clothes in Conn's north- 
ern domain 
Were heap'd on my back, with their heat I'd 
be panting, 
And fire is much hotter, I grant, than my 
skin. 



SK1BBEREEX. 

On, divil a bit can I tell ye now 
What happened to me at the wake o' me cow; 
There was Larry an' Patrick an' Jerry an' Tim, 
And all the relayshuns, hooch, bad scan to thim. 
They came in their thousands from valley and hill, 
And broke the resource ov the whisky still, 
That was the great fayture of Ballynahog, 
With their lashuns an' drinkin's an' crying for grog. 

Ciiobus. 

Wid their tearing, daring, cursing, swearing, 
Scooting, looting, hooting, shooting; 
Whisky, potatoes, och, wigs on the green, 
Shillalahs were flying in ould Skibbereen. 

Whn Larry the spalpeen, an' Tim tuk the floor, 

An' hung up their hats on the back of the door ; 

Be jabers, said I, just for fun loike, to Pat ; 

"How's that for turnips," cried Larry, '"take that!" 

I took it, and then, for the rest of my loife, 

I'll never forget the ructions and strife; 

I can't tell entoirely how that row was fixed, 

But all me relayshuns was pretty well mixed. — Chorus. 

Oh, begorra, the shouting an' tearing around. 

The boys that were broke up an' stitched on the ground; 

Pat tuk up the pavement an' pulled down the roof, 

Then evicted me out by the power ov his hoof. 

They broke up me meal-cask, they split the potteen, 

Divil another such shindy was seen; 

Then they blazed at me windows an' stritched out me sow 

To await the last trump by the side of me cow. — Chorus. 

My head the next morning was just like a rattle, 

Me oies and me nose both showed signs of the battle; 

P. C. 92 took us up for our thrial, 

Tho' we said we weren't foighting, he'd take no denial. 

Poor Tim got a fortnit. we all got a week ; 

The judge said, "Be aisy, ye've had a bad squeak, 

But if iver the boys an' yourself want a row, 

Don't let it occur at the wake of a cow." — Choius. 



I'M PROUD I'M AN IRISHMAN'S SOX. 

If 1 was a son of old England 

I'd praise the dear land of my birth: 
If the mountains of Scotland had brought me to light 

I'd cherish their beauty and worth: 
But my ehart beats fondly for old Ireland, 

And tho glorious deeds she has done. 
'Till the day 1 die I'll hold my head high. 

For I'm proud I'm an Irishman's son. 

Chorus. 

So I'll think with a smile of the Emerald Isle. 

I'll remember the deeds she has done; 
While my heart is unfurled I'll say to the world, 

I'm proud I'm an Irshman's son. 

They may treat mo with scorn and derision, 

liny may bring the hot tear in my eye. 
They may say with a sner when employment I seek, 

That an Irishman need not apply. 
When I think of the heroes old Ireland's produced, 

And the glorious deeds they have done. 
I'll still play my part, and I'll say from my heart. 

I'm proud I'm an Irishman's >,>n. — (.'1101:1 s. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



89 



LOVE IN REALITY.— Continued. 
If I stood 'neath a torrent, or plung'd in the 
ocean, 
I'd come out rather chilly and not over dry; 
If robust health and strength can cause death, 
I've a notion 
I'm just in the very condition to die. 

I'm not swollen out with grief till a long rope 
won't bind ine ; 
My mouth is more moist than the touch- 
wood, no doubt ; 
And I'll give you my oath, that you never will 
find me 
Drinking dry a deep lake to extinguish my 
drought. 

I can tell night and day without making a 
blunder : 
A ship from a wherry, as well as the best; 
And I know white from black, which you'll 
say Ls a wonder, 
Despite all the love that is lodged in my 
breast. 
A mountain I never mistake for the ocean, 
A horse I can tell with great ease from a 
deer, 
Of great things and small I've an excellent 
notion, 
And distinguish a fly from a whale very 
clear. 
And now, to conclude with a stiffish conun- 
drum — 
" A part of the stern of a boat o'er the wave, 
Seven hazels whose barren twigs cast no fruit 
under 'em." 
Is the name of the fair one who holds me 
a slave. 

Not one in a thousand that try will make out 
of it 
The name of the maid most belov'd of my 
heart ; 
And though love touch my brain, yet the sense 
'twon't take out of it, 
For I swear there's no poison or pain in his 
dart. 

IRISH COQUETRY. 

Says Patrick to Biddy, " Good mornin', me 

dear! 
It's a bit av a sacret I've got for yer ear: 
It's yourael' that is lukin' so charmin' the day, 
That the heart in me breast is fast slippin' 

away." 
" 'Tis you that kin rlatther," Miss Biddy re- 
plies, 
And throws him a glance from her merry blue 
eyes. 

" Arrah, thin," cries Patrick, " 'tis thinkin' av 

you 
That's makin' me heart-sick, me darlint, that's 

thrue! 
Sure I've waited a long while to tell ye this 

same. 
And Biddy Maloney will be such a fo!ne name." 
Cries Biddy, " Have done wid yer talkin', I 

pray ; 
Shure me heart's not me own for this many a 

dav! 



TERENCE'S FAREWELL TO KATHLEEN. 

So, my Kathleen, you're going to leave me 

All alone by myself in tbis place; 
But I'm sure you will n v 1 deceive me, 

Oh, no! if there's truth in that face. 
Though England's a beautiful city, 

Full of illegant boys — oh, whal then? 
You wouldn't forget your poor Terence, 

You'll come back to old Ireland again. 

Och, those English deceivers by nature, 

Though maybe you'd think them sincere, 
They'll say you're a sweet charming creature, 

But don't you believe them, my dear. 
No, Kathleen, agra! don't be minding 

The flattering speeches they'd make ; 
Just tell them a poor lad in Ireland 

Is breaking his heart for your sake. 

It's a folly to keep you from going, 

Though, faith, it's a mighty hard case; 
For, Kathleen, you know, there's no knowing 

When next 1 shall see your swe< t face. 
And when you come back to me, Kathleen, 

None the better off will I be then ; 
You'll be spaking such beautiful English, 

Sure I won't know my Kathleen again. 

Aye, now where's the need of this hurry? 

Don't flusther me so in this way; 
I forgot 'twixt the grief and the flurry, 

Every word I was meaning to say. 
Now just wait a minute, I bid ye — 

Can I talk if you bother me so? 
Oh, Kathleen, my blessing go wid you, 

Every inch of the way that ye go. 

BRIDGET DONOHUE. 

My name is Barney Blake, I'm a tearing Irish rake, 

Considered by my neighbors very handy ; 
I was reared to the spade, but I learned the tailoring trade, 

And think myself as good as John or Sandy; 
I work in first-class shops; I make clothes for swells and fops; 

I'm contented with my daily occupation ; 
I love a colleen rhue called Bridget Donohue, 

And she's the pride of all the Irish nation. 

Chorus. 

Bridget Donohue, I've got my eye on you; 
If you only marry Barney, you'll have no cause to rue;' 
You're the apple of my eye, I'm your Irish cockatoo; 
Mr. Cupid knocked me stupid for Bridget Donohue. 

At the wedding of Pat O'Hara I first met Bridget there, 

As she sat beside me at the wedding supper ; 
When she handed me my tay, I felt — I cannot say, 

But my heart it melted like a lump of butter ; 
I asked her there and then if she'd have me for a man, 

When she smiled on me as cute as any jailer — 
She said she would with pride! since then I'm satislied, 

She loves none else but Barney Blake, the tailor. — Chorus. 

She's modest as she's mild: she's a dacent father's child, 

And I'm longing for the day of our marriage: 
You would go from here to Spain to hear her sing " Napoleon's 
Dream," 

And at dancing she's got a lovely carriage. 
The other boys may try to put out Barney's eye, 

But soon they'll find it's nothing but a failure. 
She wouldn't see me fooled ; she's as pure as guinea goold 

To her thumping, stumping, jumping Irish tailor. — Chorus. 



90 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



IRISH COQUETRY.— Continued. 
" 1 gave it away to a good-lookin' boy, 
Who thinks there is no one like Biddy Malloy; 
So don't bother me, Pat; jist be aisy," says 

she. 
"Indade, if ye'll let me, I will that!" says 

he; 
" It's a bit of a flirt that ye are, on the sly ; 
I'll not trouble ye more, but I'll bid ye good- 

by." 

'• Arrah, Patrick," cries Biddy, " an' where 

are ye goin"? 
Sure it isn't the best of good manners ye're 

showin' 
To lave me so suddint! " " Och, Biddy," says 

Pat. 
" You have knocked the cock-feathers jist out 

av me hat ! " 
" Come back, Pat," says she. " What fur, 

thin? " says he. 
" Bekase I meant jou all the time, sir ! " says 

she. 

O'FARPvELL THE FIDDLER. 

Now, thin, what has become of Thady O'Far- 
rell ? 
The honest poor man, what's delayin' him, 
why ? 
Oh, the thrush might be dumb, and the lark 
cease to carol, 
Whin his music began to eomether the sky. 

Three summers have gone since we've missed 
you, O'Farrell, 
From the weddin' and patron, and fair on 
the green ; 
In an hour to St. John we'll light up the tar- 
barrel — 
But ourselves we're not flatter'n' that thin 
you'll be seen. 

O'Thady, we've watched and we've waited for- 
ever, 
To see your ould self steppin' into the 
town — 
Wid your corduroys patched so clane and so 
clever. 
And the pride of a Guelph in your smile or 
your frown. 

Till some one used say, " Here's Thady O'Far- 
rell;" 
And, " God bless the good man! let's go meet 
him," we cried — 
And wid this from their play, and wid that 
from their quarrel. 
All the little ones ran to be first at your 
side. 

Soon amongst us you'd stand, wid the ould 
people's blessin' 
As they lean'd from the door to look out at 
you pass; 
Wid the colleen's kiss hand, and the childer's 
caressin', 
And the boys fightin' sure, which'd stand 
your first glass. 

Thin you'd give us the news out of Cork and 
Killat ney — 
Had OKI vim married yet? — Was ould Mack 
still at work? — 



RORY O'MORE. 

YOUNG Rory O'More courted young Kathleen Bawn, 

lie was bold as a hawk, and she soft as the dawn: 

He wished in his heart pretty Kathleen to please, 

And he thought the best way to do that was to tease. 

'• Now. Kory, be aisy," sweet Kathleen would cry. 

Reproof on her lips, but a smile in her eye: 

"With your tricks 1 don't know in troth what I'm about — 

Faith! you've teased till I've put on my cloak inside out." 

•■ Oh, jewel," says Rory, " that same is the way 

You've thrated my heart for this many a day; 

And 'tis plazed that I am, and why not, to be sure, 

For 'tis all for good luck," says bold Rory O'More. 

"Indeed, then." says Kathleen, "don't think of the like, 

For 1 half gave a promise to soothering Mike; 

The ground that 1 walk on he loves, I'll be bound"— 

" Faith," says Rory, "I'd rather love you than the ground." 

" Now, Rory, I'll cry if you don't let me go — 

Sure 1 dream every night that I'm hating you so." 

"Oh! " says Rory. "that same I'm delighted to hear. 

For dhrames always go by conthrairies. my dear; 

Oh! jewel, keep dreaming that same till you die, 

And bright morning will give dirty night the black lie. 

And 'tis plazed that I am. and why not. to be sure. 

Since 'tis all for good luck," says bold Rory O'More. 

"Arrah, Kathleen, my darlint, you've teased me enough. 
And I've thrashed for your sake Dinny Grimes and Jim Duff; 
And I've made myself." drinking your health, quite a baste, 
So. 1 think, after' that. T may talk to the priest." 
Then Rory, the rogue, stole his arm round her neck, 
So soft and so white, without freckle or speck! 
And he looked in her eyes that were beaming with light: 
And he kissed her sweet lips— don't you think he was right? 
" Now, Rorv. leave oif. sir — you'll hug me no more — 
There's eight times to-day that you've kissed me before." 
" Then here goes another," says he, " to make sure — 
For there's luck in odd numbers," says Rory O'More. 

[RISH CASTLES. 

" Sweet Norah, come here, and look into the fire: 

Maybe in its embers good luck we might see : 
But don't come too near, or your glances so shining. 

Will put it clean out, like the sunbeams, maehree! 

"Just look 'twixt the sods, where so brightly they're burning; 

There's a sweet little valley, with rivers and trees, — 
And a house on the bank, quite as big as the squire's — 

Who knows but some day we'll have something like these? 

" And now there's a coach, and four galloping horses. 

A coachman to drive, and a footman behind: 
That betokens some day we will keep a line carriage, 

And dash through the streets with the speed of the wind." 

As Dermot was speaking, the rain down the chimney 

Soon quenched the turf-fire on the hollowed hearth stone: 

While mansion and carriage in smoke-wreaths evanished. 
And left the poor dreamers dejected and lone. 

Then Norah to Dermot these words softly whisper'd, — 
" 'Tis better to strive, than to vainly desire; 

And our little hut by the roadside is better 

Than palace, and servants, and coach — in TJlK rn:;:! 

'Tis years since poor Dermot his fortune was dreaming — 
Since N'orah's sweet counsel effected its cure: 

For ever since then hath he toiled night ami morning. 
And now his snit' r mansion looks down on the Suir. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



91 



O'FARRELL THE FIDDLER.— Continued. 
Shine"s political views — Barry's last bit of 
blarney — 
And the boys you hau met on their way to 
New York. 

And when from the sight of our say-front in' 
village 
The far-frownin' Blasquet stole into the 
shade, 
And the warnin' of night called up from the 
tillage 
The girl wid her basket, the boy wid his 
spade: — 

By the glowin' turf-fire, or the harvest moon's 
glory. 
In the close-crowded ring that around you 
we made, 
We'd no other desire than your heart-thrillin' 
story, 
Or the song that you'd sing, or the tune that 
you played. 

Till you'd ax, wid a leap from your seat in the 
middle, 
And a shuffle and slide of your foot on the 
floor, 
" Will we try a jig-step, boys and girls, to the 
fiddle?" 
"Faugh a ballagh," we cried, "for a jig, to 
be sure." 
For whinever you'd start jig or planxty so 
merry, 
Wid their caperin' twirls, and their rol- 
lickin' runs, 
Where's the heel or the heart in the kingdom 
of Kerry 
Of the boys and the girls wasn't wid you at 
once? 
So you'd tune wid a sound that arose as de- 
lightin' 
As our old coleen's voice, so sweet and so 
clear, 
As she coyly wint round, wid a curtsy invitin' 
The best of the boys for the fun to prepare. 

For a minute or two, till the couples were 

ready, 
On your shoulder and chin the fiddle lay 

quiet : 
As our old colleen's voice, so sweet and so 

steady, 
And awav we should spin to the left or the 

right! 

Thin how Micky Dease forged steps was a 
wonder, 
And well might our women of Roseen be 
proud — 
Such a face, such a grace, and her darlin' 
feet under, 
Like two swallows skimmin' the skirts of a 
cloud! 

Thin, Thady, ochone! come back, for widout 
you 
We are never as gay as we were in the past: 
Oh, Thady, mavrone, why thin I wouldn't 
doubt you. 
Huzzah! boys, huzzah! here's O'Farrell at 
last ! 
What an elegant place, 



THE CALM AVONREE. 

BRIGHT home of my youth, my own sonowing sireland, 

My fond heart o'erliows and the tears dim mine eyes. 
When I think of thee, car-distant, beautiful Ireland, 

And the dark seas between me and you, my heart's prize. 
Oft — oft do I sigh, lor the days of my childhood, 

When I plucked the wild tlow'rs on fair upland lea, 
Or roamed the long day thro' the sweet, shady wildwood, 

On the green, grassy banks of the calm Avonree. 

Ah, me! could I fly o'er the dark, swelling ocean, 

To the home of my heart, to the land of my love, 
I'd be up on the wings with an exile's devotion, 

And dare every danger the dark seas above. 
Again would I roam thro' the fair, leafy bowers, 

Where the boys used to drill ere I first crossed the sea; 
And I'd weave for my Kathleen a garland of flowers, 

On the green, grassy banks of the calm Avonree. 

Again would I hear the wild thrush in his bower, 

The loud-singing lark o'er the deep, mossy dell, 
And the blackbird's soft song on the tall, wild tower 

That shadows the clear-springing, sweet " Abbey well." 
Once more would I hear the wild cuckoo's notes swelling, 

Along the rich valley, o'er moorland and lea, 
And the blithe sparrow's chirp 'round my own peaceful dwelling, 

On the green, grassy banks of the calm Avonree. 

But the day may yet come when I'll see thee soft smiling, 

And gaze on thee fondly, fair, beautiful land; 
I may yet live to see thro' thy narrow glens filing, 

The exiles now cast on a fair, foreign strand. 
I may fight for thee, too, ere the trees attain blossom, 

And see thee, my Erin, yet happy and free ; 
And my heart may yet rest on thy soft, dewy bosom, 

In a green, grassy grave by the calm Avonree. 

KATIE O'RYAX. 

On the banks of the Shannon, in darling old Ireland, 

Dwells a fair damsel, she's soon to be mine; 
She's a darling young creature and lovely in feature, 

I ne'er can can forget her! dear Katie O'Ryan. 
She's as fair as the dawn of the morning while beaming, 

Her eyes soft, her lips like the ruby red wine: 
Oh! she's the dear little shamrock, I'm constantly dreaming 

Of my own darling Katie, dear Katie O'Ryan. 

Chorus. 

She's the dear little shamrock, I'm constantly dreaming 
Of my own darling Katie, dear Katie O'Ryan. 

I now have rov'd far to a land call'd America, 

A home, Katie dear, for the honest and true; 
My heart saddens tho' when I think that T am 

So far away from old Ireland, and Katie, from you. 
The winter is on, but I heed not its cold, dear, 

The spring will bring flow'rs and joy to my heart : 
Oh, for it's nearing the time when I'll bring my love out here, 

Then in this free country our new lives we'll start. 

The fields here are green as they are in old Ireland, 

And all have their freedom to do what is right; 
Ah! Katie, I'e seen pretty girls by the thousand. 

And I'm thinking of none but you, darling, to-night. 
When the bright summer comes I will hasten, sure, back again, 

Take your soft, tender hands gently in mine. Oh! 
I'll never more leave you, but thro' life we'll wander, 

Till death it will part me and Katie O'Ryan. 



92 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



BOUCHELLEEN BAWN. 

O, peat have you heard of my Bouchelleen Bawnf * 
Can yon tell me at all of my Bouchelleen Bawnf 
Have you come by the " rath," on the hill of Knock-awn; 
Or what can you tell of my Bouchelleen Bawnf 

The pulse of my heart was my Bouchelleen liawn. 
The light of my eyes was my Bouchelleen Bourn. 
From Dinan's red wave to the tower of Kilvawn, 
You'd not meet the like of my Bouchelleen Baton! 

The first time I saw my own Bowchellen Bawn, 
Twas a midsummer eve on the fair-green of Bawn. 
He danced at the " Baal-fire," as light as a fawn, 
And away went my heart with my Bouchelleen Bawn. 

I loved him as dear as I lved my own life; 

And he vowed on his knees he would make me his wife. 

I looked in his eyes, flashing bright as the dawn, 

And drank love from the lips of my Bouchelleen Bawn. 

But, Christ save the hearers! his angel forsook him — 
My curse on the Queen of the fairies — she took him ! 
Last All-hallows' eve as he came by Knock-awn, 
She saw — loved, and " struck " my poor Bouchelleen Bawn. 

Like the primrose when April her last sigh has breathed, 
My Bouchcll en drooped and his young beauty faded; 
He died — and his white limbs were stretched in Kilvawn, 
And I wept by th grave of my Bouchelleen Bawn. 

I said to myself, sure it cannot be harm, 

To go to the wise man and ask for a charm; 

'Twill cost but a crown, and my heart's blood I'd pawn, 

To purchase from bondage my Bouchelleen Bawn. 

I went to the priest, and he spoke about heaven : 
And said that my failings would not be forgiven, 
If ever I'd cross the gray fairy-man's bawn ; 
Or try his weird spells for my Bouchelleen Bawn. 

I'll take his advice, though Cod knows my heart's breaking; 

I start in my sleep, and I weep when I'm waking. 

O, I long for the blush of eternity's dawn. 

When again I shall meet my own Bouchelleen Bawn! 

* Bovchett en Bawn, — The fair-haired boy, or the white-skinned boy. 

MARY OF THE CURLS. 

As oak-leaves, when autumn is turning them sere, 

Is the hue of my own Mary's beautiful hair; 

And light as young ash-sprays, that droop in the grove, 

Are the ringlets that wave round the head that I love. 

Dear Mary! each ringlet, so silken and fine, 
Is a fetter that round my poor heart you entwine; 
And if the wide ocean I roamed to the West, 
It would still draw me back to the maid I love best. 

Like stars that shine out from the calm summer sky 
Ave the glances that beam from your melting blue eye; 
i our lips red as poppies, your cheeks bright as morn ; 
And your bosom and neck white ;\s blossoms of thorn. 

Thus sung the Sage, while, slyly stealing, 
The nymphs their fetters round him cast, 
Ami, their laughing eyes, the while. Concealing, 
Led Liberty's bard their slave at last. 

For the poet's heart, still prone to loving, 
Was like that rock of the Druid rac \ 

h (he gentlest touch at once sel moving, 
But all earth's power couldn'l shake from its base. 



FAX FITZGERL. 

VYikua, wirra, ologonc! 
Can't ye leave a lad alone, 
Till he's proved there's no tradition left of 
any other girl — 

Not even Trojan Helen, 
In beauty all excelhn', 
Who's been up to half the divilment of Fan 
Fitzgerl ? 

Wid her brows of silky black, 
Arched above for the attack, 
Her eyes that dart such azure death on poor 
admirin' man; 

Masther Cupid, point your arrows, 
From this out, agin' the sparrows, 
For you're bested at Love's archery by young 
Miss Fan. 

See what showers of golden thread 
Lift and fall upon her head, 
The likes of such a trammel-net at say was 
never spread; 

For whin accurately reckoned, 
'Twas computed that each second 
Of her curls has cot a Kerryman, and kilt him 
dead. 

Now mintion, if you will, 
Brandy Mount and Hungry Hill, 
Or Magillieuddy's Reeks, renowned "i'or cripplin' 
all they can: 

Still, the countryside confisses 
None of all its precipices 
Cause a quarter of the carnage of the nose of 
Fan. 

But your shattered hearts suppose 
Safely steered aghast her nose. 
She's a current and a reef beyant to wreck 
them rovin' ships. 

My meaning it is simple 
For that current in her dimple, 
And the cruel reef will coax ye's to her coral 
lips. 

I might inform ye further. 
Of her bosom's snowy murther. 
And an ankle ambuscadin' through her gown's 
delightful whirl ; 

But what need, when all the village 
lias fors.tok its peaceful tillage, 
And flown to war and pillage- — all for Fan 
Fitzgerl ! 



"JOHNNY, I HARDLY KNEW YE." 

YViiilk going the road to sweet Alhy, 

Hurroo! Hurroo! 
While going (he road to sweet Athy. 

Hurroo! Hurroo! 
While going the road to sweet Athy. 
A stick in my hand and a drop in my eye, 
A doleful damsel I heard cry. 
" Johnny, I hardly knew ye. 
With your drums and guns, and guns and 
drums, 
The enemy nearly slew ye. 
Oh, darling dear, you look so queer. 
Faith, Johnny, 1 hardly knew ye! 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



93 



"JOHNNY I HARPLY KNEW YE."— Cntinued. 
"Where are your eyes that looked so mild? 

llurroo! llurroo! 
Where are your eyes that looked so mild! 

Hurroo! llurroo! 
Where arc the eyes that looked so mild, 
When my heart you so beguiled? 
\\ hy did you skedaddle from me and the child? 
Why, Johnnie. I hardly knew ye! 
With your guns. etc. 

" Where are the legs with which you run? 

Hurroo! llurroo! 
Where are the legs with which you run.' 

Hurroo ! llurroo ! 
Where are the legs with which you run, 
When you went to carry a gun — 
indeed,' your dancing days are done! 
Faith, Johnny, I hardly knew ye! 
With your guns, etc. 

" It grieved my heart to see you sail, 

Hurroo ! llurroo ! 
It grieved my heart to see you sail, 

Hurroo! Hurroo! 
It grieved my heart to see you sail. 
When from my heart you took leg bail — 
Like a cod you're now doubled up head and 
tail. 
Faith, Johnny, I hardly knew ye! 
With your guns, etc. 

" I'm happy for to see you home, 

Hurroo ! Hurroo ! 
I'm happy for to see you home, 
All from the island of Ceylon, 
So low in flesh, so high in bone, 
Faith, Johnny, I hardly knew ye! 
With your guns," etc. 

THE RAKES OF MALLOW. 

Beauing, belling, dancing, drinking, 
Breaking windows, damning, sinking,* 
Ever raking, never thinking, 
Live the rakes of Mallow. 

Spending faster than it comes, 
Beating waiters, bailiffs, duns, 
Bacchus's true begotten sons, 
Live the rakes of Mallow. 

One time nought but claret drinking, 
Then like politicians thinking, 
To raise the sinking funds when sinking, 
Live the rakes of Mallow. 

When at home with dadda dying, 
Still for Mallow water crying; 
But where there's good claret plying, 
Live the rakes of Mallow. 

Living short, but merry lives; 
Going where the devil drives; 
Having sweethearts but no wives, 
Live the rakes of Mallow. 

Racking tenants, stewards teasing, 
Swiftly spending, slowly raising, 
Wishing to spend all their days in 
Raking as at Mallow. 

Then, to end this raking life, 
They get sober, take a wife, 
Ever after live in strife, 

And wish again for Mallow. 



IRELAND'S PROTEST. 

This is our share of th Jubilee bounties, 
A measure the vilest our land ever saw; 

Placing each one of the thirty-two counties, 
Under the scope of an infamous law. 

Will they submit to the act of atrocity'i 

Will* they be crushed by this cowardly blow? 
Will they be crushed by this cowardly bio 
Ireland speaks out. and her answer is No! 

Dublin will stamp on it, 
Wicklow will damp on it, 
Kerry will drag it about through the mire; 
Limerick will batter it, 
Waterford tatter it. 
Wexford will bundle it into the fire. 

Antrim with hatred profound is rejecting ii. 

Monaghan spurns it as something unclean; 
Clare has no notion of ever respecting it, 

Sligo condemns it as odious and mean. 
Galway declares it isn't worth a bad penny, 

Roscommon salutes it with hiss and with groan j 
'Tis laughed at by Cork, 'tis despised by Kilkenny, 

'Tis slated and stoned by Armagh and Tyrone. 

Cavan let fly at it, 
Louth takes a shy at it, 
Meath and Westmeath in the sport takes a share; 
Kings County jeers at it. 
Queens County sneers at it, 
Great is the mauling it gets from Kildare. 

Down and Fermanagh go in with a stick at it, 

Derry has given it a dip in her bogs ; 
" Tij) " takes a run and a big swinging kick at it, 

" Angry Mayo gets it torn by the dogs. 
Longford and Leitrim keep cutting and hacking it, 

'Tis flung in the dust hole by fierce Donegal; 
Carlow would never get weary of whacking it, 

Such is the usage it gets from them all. 

Joyous acclaim to them. 

Honor and fame to them, 
Long may they live the brave thirty-two; 

One spirit firing them, 
One thought inspiring them, 
Standing united, undaunted and true. 



OH, ERIN, MY COUNTRY. 

Oh! Erin, my country, altho' thy harp slumbers, 

And lies in oblivion near Tara's old hall, 
With scarce one kind hand to awaken thy slumbers, 

Or sound a long dirge of the sons of Fingal, 
The trophies of warfare they stand still neglected. 

For cold lies the warriors to whom they were known j 
But the harp of old Ireland shall be respected. 

While there lived but one bard to enliven its tune. 

Oh ! Erin, my country ! I love thy green bowers, 

No music to me like thy murmuring rill : 
The shamrock to me is the fairest of flowers. 

And nothing more dear than thy daisy-clad hill. 
Thy caves, whether used by warriors or sages. 

Are still sacred held in each Irishman's heart; 
And thy ivy-crowned turrets, the pride of past ages, 

Tho' mould'ring in ruin, do grandeur impart. 



u 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



OH, ERIN MY COUNTRY.— Con tin ued. 
Britannia may boast of her lion and armor. 

\nd glory, when she her old wooden walls views; 
Caledonia may boast of her pibroch and clambour, 

And pride in her philabeg, kilt and hose. 
But where is the nation can rival old Erin? 

Or where is the country such heroes can boast? 
In battle they're tierce as the lion and tiger, 

And bold as the eagle that Hies round her coast. 

The breeze often shakes both the rose and thistle, 

Whilst Erin's green shamrock lies hushed in the dale; 
Contented it grows whilst the wintry iwn.l whistles, 

And lies undisturbed in the moss of the vale. 
Then hail, dearest, island in Neptune's proud ocean, 

The land of my forefathers, my parents at.'ra!_ 
Cold, cold must the heart be and devoid of emotion, 

That loves not the music of Erin-go-bragh. 

PADDY BLAKE'S ECHO. 

In the gap of Dunlo 

There's an echo, or so, 
And some of them echoes is very surprising 

You'll think, in a stave 

That I mane to desaive, 
For a ballad's a thing you expect to find lies in. 

But visible thrue 

In that hill forninst you 
There's an echo as plain and as safe as the bank, too; 

But civilly spake 
"How d'ye do, Paddy Blake?" 
The echo politely says : " Very well, thank you! " 

One day Teddy Keogh 
With Kate Conner did go 
To hear from the echo such wonderful talk, sir. 
But the echo, they say, 
Was conthrairy that day, 
Or perhaps Paddy Blake had gone out for a walk, sir. 
So Ted says to Kate: 
" 'Tis too hard to be bate 
By that deaf and dumb baste of an echo, so lazy, 
But if we both shout 
At each other, no doubt, 
We'll wake up an echo between us, my daisy! " 

" Now, Kitty," says Teddy, 
" To answer be ready.'' 
"Oh, very well, thank you," cried out Kitty, then, sir; 
" Would you like to wed, 
"Kitty darling?" says Ted. 
"Oh, very well thank you." says Kitty again, sir; 
"D'ye like met" says Tddy; 
And Kitty, quite ready, 
Cried: "Very well, 'thank you! " with laughter beguiling. 
Now won't you confess, 
Teddy could not do less 
Than pay his respects to the lips that were smiling? 

Oh, dear Paddy Blake, 

May you never forsake 
Those hills that return us such echoes endearing; 

And, girls, all translate 

The sweet echoes like Kate, 
No faithfulness doubting, no treachery fearing. 
Ami, boys, be you ready. 

Like frolicsome Teddy. 
Be earnest in loving, though given to jokinq ; 

And, when thus inclined. 

May all true lovers find 
Sweet echoes to answer from hearts they're inyoking. 



THE CASTLEBAR BOY. 

I ah: a boy from ould Ireland, 

Where good nature and morn shines on every 

face; 
And the pride of my father, 
And the girl's own joy, 
And the darlings they call me the Castlebar 

boy. 

Cuoeus. 

For my name it is Pat, 
I am proud out of that. 

My country 1 will nerer deny; 
I will fight for the sod 
Where my forefathers trod. 

Sing hurrah for the Castlebar boy. 

I was born one evening 

In the middle of June, 

They took me to town 

And thev christened me soon; 

What name shall we call him? says Father 

Molloy, 
Monnadowl, call him Paddy, the Castlebar 

boy. — Ciiokus. 

When I landed in England 
It was a beautiful morning. 
They gave me a job at reaping the corn; 
At reaping and mowing to beat me they tried, 
But the Omadhauna 

They could not touch the Castlebar boy.— 
Chorus 

Y'ou Englishmen, poor Paddy don't scorn, 
For Paddy was not always a big Omadhaun ; 
For his heart is in the right place, 
For a friend he would die; 
I think I have pleased you. the best I did try, 
Grant your applause to the Castlebar boy. — 
Chorus. 

THE RECONCILIATION. 

The old man he knelt at the altar. 

His enemy's hand to take. 
And at first his weak voice did falter, 

And his feeble limbs did shake; 
For his only brave boy, his glory. 

Had been stretched at the old man's feet 
A corpse, all so haggard and gory. 

By the hand which he now must greet. 
And soon the old man stopt speaking, 

And rage, which had not gone by, 
From under his brows came breaking 

Up into his enemy's eye — 
And now his limbs were not shaking, 

But his clineh'd hands his bosom cross'd, 
And he looked a fierce wish to be taking. 

Revenge for the boy he had lost. 

But the old man he looked around hi;n. 

And thought of the place he was in. 
And thought of the promise which bound 
him. 

And thought that revenue was sin — 
And then, crying tears, like a woman, 

"Your hand!" he said — "ay, that 
hand! 
And I do forgive you, foeman, 

For the sake of our bleeding land! " 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



95 



THE KERRY RECRUIT. 

JutfT nine years ago and me diggin' some land, 
Two brogues on my feet and a spade in my 

hand, 
Says 1 to myself, " 'Tis a pity to see 

Such a dashing young blade diggin' turf in 
Tralee." 
Wid my brogues so well greased and 
My face 'twas so dirty. 

So I butthered my brogues and shook hands 

wid my spade, 
And I oil' to the fair, like a dashing young 

blade ; 
I there met a sergeant, who axed me to list. 
" Arrah, sergeant," says 1, " will ye tip me the 

fist." 

Wid my brogues, etc. 

He gave me a shillin', he said he'd no more; 
When I'd get to headquarters I'd get half a 

score. 
" Headquarters," says I, " arrah, sergeant, 

good- by ; 
I'm not going to be quartered — I'm in dread I 

might die." 

Wid my brogues, etc. 

" Arrah, Paddy, be aisy, why can't you abide ; 
Headquarters is the place where we all do 

reside." 
I soon found his meaning and went wid good 

grace 
To take up my quarters in that royal place. 
Wid my brogues, etc. 

Then up comes the Captain, a man of great 

fame, 
He axed me my county, I told him my name; 
Then up wid my story and told him again 
That my father and mother were two Kerry 

men. 
Wid my brogues, etc. 

Then up comes the Colonel to give me his 

thanks, 
He bade me take arms and fall into ranks. 
** Arrah, Colonel, achree, won't you lave me 

alone, 
Don't you see that I've arms and legs of my 

own? " 

Wid my brogues, etc. 

The first thing they gave it was a red coat, 
Wid a great strap of leather to tie up my 

throat ; 
They gave me a quare thing, I axed 'em 

"What's that? " 
And they told me it was a cockade for my hat. 
Wid my brogues, etc. 

The next thing they gave me it was a great 

gun, 
Wid powder and trigger and on her my thumb; 
An' first she spit fire and then she spit smoke, 
Wid a noie then like thunder my shoulder she 

broke. 
Wid my brogues, etc. 



THE OLD COUNTRY PARTY. 

Did you ever go into an old country party? 
Where the boys are *o free and the girls so hearty, 
While around the turf lire the old pair take their ease, 
And a drop of the crature whenever they please. 

The first one I met before I left home, 
Was Gibbons, my uncle, who lived in Athlone, 
He left word for me to be there without fail, 
So I got in a stage that carried the mail. 

When I opened the door what a sight met my eyes, 
Hot bacon and praties, and herrings and pies. 
While up in the closet, by way of a lunch, 
Stood a five gallon bowl full of hot whisky and punch. 

While perched on the table, blind piper McGill 
And schoolmaster Casey, and Father O'Neil ; 
O'Brien, the butcher, and a great many nunc. 
And McAvoy brothers that came from Bandore. 

Then Biddy Mavournceii :vnd brothers O'Neil, 
Stood up on the floor a three-handed reel; 
While perched on the table, blind piper McGill 
layed a tune called The Little House under the Hill. 

The Concert Man's Ramble the piper did play, 
When old folks and young kept dancing away; 
But the music stopped short, for the bottle was dry, 
And in under the table the piper did lie. 

Then Kitty O'Brien sung Kitty Asthore, 
While Pat McAvoy gave us Rory O'Moore ; 
By the tail of my coat and my first cousin Tim, 
The life and adventures of Brian O'Lin. 

But now I am away from my friends at home, 
Likewise my old father I left in Athlone; 
Be the powers! the tears rushes into my eyes, 
When I think of old Ireland, the girls and the boys. 

YOUGHALL HARBOR. 

One Sunday morning into Youghall walking, 

I met a maiden upon the way, 
Her little mouth sweet as fairy music, 

Her soft cheeks blushing like dawn of day. 
I laid a bold hand upon her bosom, 

And ask'd a kiss; but she answered, "No: 
Fair sir, be gentle, do not tear my mantle; 

'Tis none in Erin my grief can know. 

" 'Tis but a little hour since I left Youghall, 

And my love forbade me to return; 
And now my weary way I wander 

Into Cappoquin, a poor girl forlorn. 
Then do not tempt me; for, alas! I dread them 

Who with tempting proffers teach girls to roam, 
Who'd first deceive us, then, faithless, leave us, 

And send us shamefaced and barefoot home." 

"My heart and hand here! I mean you marriage; 

I have loved like you and known love's pain; 
If you turn back now to Youghall Harbor 

You ne'er shall want house or home again. 
You shall have a lace cap like any lady, 

Cloak and capuchin, too, to keep you warm, 
And, if Cod please, maybe, a little baby 

By and by to nestle within your arm." 



9G 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE KERYY RECRUIT.— Continued. 
The first place they sent me was ever so far, 
In a quare thing they said was the Kings 

Man-o'-War; 
Three sticks in the middle, and on her a sheet, 
And she walked on the water Widout any feet. 
Wid my brogues, etc. 

We fought many battles wid pretty good luck, 
\t Vinegar Bill and at Ballinamuck, 
The balls and the powder they all were so hot 
1 sneaked round behind them in dread of bein 
shot. 
Wid my brogues, etc. 

Now war is all over and peace is come in, 
I'm paid all my wages, and God save the King! 
I'm nine years in glory, and glad it's not ten, 
Vml now I'm hack digguV praties agin. 

Wid my brogues so well greased and 

My face just as dirty. 



PAT'S LOVE. 

Och hone, and it's Biddy McClooney 

For whom me sowl is disazed, 
And the heart in me head is grown looney, 

And the brains in me bosom is crazed. 
1 have lost all me love for pertaties — 

My amotion for inyuns and pork, 
For she is the finest of ladies 

That walks on the State of Ne' York. 

Me life with her worship runs over, 

Like a hod full of mortar; I'm sick; 
And me moments with mimeries of her 

Are as full as a hod full of brick. 
1 think of her always and longer, 

From night until morning, and back; 
My love than good whisky is sthronger, 

And burdens me down like a pack. 

Her mouth is so sweet, and her kisses 
Are the rarest and best of the sort; 
And her voice, when she'.-, washing the dishes, 
Makes me jump like the cry of "More 
mort." 
Her hair is as red as the raven's, 

\nd faith don't I worship the same 
When 'tis curled just like carpenter's shav- 
ings, 
Or I see 't in the butther or crame! 

Her eyes when she's mad they are firish, 

Ami had they a voice they could speak. 
She's the best of her sex, and that's Irish, 

And she's thirty almost to a week. 
She can take her own pail at the table 

In a way that could never be hate. 
And I wish 'twas myself that was able 

To buy all the vituals she'd ate. 

She has sworn on a stack of pertaties 

Some day to be mine she'd consint; 
And shure as me name is O'Gradies 

]f she could change her intint 
1 would grow to the weight of a shadder, 

And hardly know what 1 was at; 
I'd ■hop from a six-story ladder, 

And make it the last of poor Pat. 



LOVELY MARY DONNELLY. 

Oh, lovelv .Mary Donnelly, it's you I love the best; 

If fifty girls we're round you. I'd hardly Bee the rest: 

Be wliat it may the time o' dav. the place be where it will, 

Sweet looks of' Mary Donnelly, they bloom before me still. 

Her eyes like mountain water that's Bowing on a rock. 

How ch.u they are, how dark they arc! and they give me many 

a shock: 
Red rowans warm in sunshine and wetted with a shower 
Could ne'er express the charming lip that has me in its power. 

Her nose is straight and handsome, her eyebrows lifted up; 
Her chin is very neat and pert, and smooth like a china cup; 
Her hair's the brag of Ireland, so weighty and so fine: 
[fs rolling down upon her neck, and gathered in a twine. 

The dance o' last Whit-Monday night exceeded all before: 
No pretty girl for miles about was missing from the floor; 
Bui Mary kept the belt of love, and oh, but sne was gay! 
She danced a jig, she sung a song, that took my heart away. 

When she stood up for dancing, her steps were so complete, 
The music nearly killed itself to listen to her feet: 
The fiddler moaned his blindness, he heard her so much praised: 
But blessed himself he wasn't deaf when once her voice she 

raised. 

And evermore I'm whistling or lilting what you sung, 

Your smile is always in my heart, your name beside my tongue; 

But you've as many sweethearts as you'd count on both your 

hands, 
And for myself there's not a thumb or little finger stands. 

Oh, you're the flower o' womankind in country ^r in town ! 

The higher I exalt you, the lower I'm cast down. 

If some brcat lord should come this way, and see your beauty 

bright, 
And you to be his lady I'd own it was but right. 

Oh, might we live together in a lofty palace hall. 
Where joyful music rises, and where scarlet curtains fall! 
Oh, might we live together in a cottage mean and small, 
With sods of grass the only roof, and mud the only wall! 

distress! 

wish it less ; 

i in uiuuui >i (iiin ■■■ MwiMu hi, \''ui inn , urn., a am poor anu low , 
But blessings be about you, dear, wherever you may go. 

FLAMING O'FLANAGANS. 

Now I'm of age I'll come into my property, 

Devil a ha'penth I'll think of but fun ; 
"1'is myself will be putting the ladies in papoutry, 

Just to prove I'm my daddy's own -on. 
Och, now, Mistress Honey, I'll teach ye civility. 

Judy O'Doole, escape if you can — 
I'm the boy that will show you the sweets of gentility, 

Loving most women and fearing no man. 

CHORUS. 

Hooroo ! hack ! 
For, that was the way with the flaming O'Flanagans,. 

From the first illigant boys of that name: 
For kissing and courting, and filling the can again, 
Drinking and fighting like cocks of the game. 
Hooroo ! hack ! 







SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



97 



FLAMING O'FLANAG VNS— Continued. 
The lazing, the cursing, the shouting, the shooting, 

The clattering of glasses— the breaking of skulls— 
The dancing would sure be upon the besf footing, 

Wid Irish .Miss Murphys and English -Miss Bulls. 
The neat little party you'd like to see revel, 

The loves and the whisky, and the devil knows what; 
\r,l the dances that we whacked black and blue like the devil, 
And the spalpeens we floored at the very first shot. 

O'Brien he went through the world without lying. 

And lie beat the Danes, a whole score of them flat ; 
And faix, after that, the old Danes beat O'Brien, 

And he died victorious, more glory for Pat. 
Ever since that, the brave flaming O'Flanagans 

Have fought in each battle, all the way round: 
From Kilrush to Kilkenny, and all the way back again, 

The blood of O'Flanagans covers the ground. 
Do you see how I'm laughed at by all those queer vagabones, 

Shouting and screaming twice as loud as they can? 
Paddy Flynn, I go bail, I'll give you a sore bag of bones 

If you'll only come here and turn out like a man. 
Do ye's think I'll stop here until morning, diverting ye's 

While me nate jug of punch is cooling outside? 
Good night, boys, you know I'm sorry from parting yes, 

But the love of the whisky was always me pride. 

MOLLY MULDOON. 

Sweet jewel, my heart has gone out of my keepin', 

\n' 1 am wantin' it back wid a slice of your own; _ > 

For I drame through the night, when I ought to be sleepin , 

Ov the purtiest girl in the country of Tyrone. 
"Tis yourself, an' you know it, more shame you won t show it, 

Biit I'll list by my faith for a dashing dragoon, 
If you don't quit your jokin', which is more than provokin , 

And pity my love for you, Molly Muldoon. 
There's Shusey Magee, drinks her tay out of chaney, 

Her father, the drover, has money in store; 
An' Kitty McKenna, that plays the pianna, 

An', troth, if I liked— no, I needn't say more. 
But little I care for themselves or their riches; 

An' the music you'd make wid your noggin' an spoon, 
Would be sweeter to me if I slept in the ditches, 

An' scraped the same pot wid you, Molly Muldoon. 

Och! Molly, achorra, don't kill me wid sorrow, 

I'm awake on my feet wid the weight of my woes, 
My shouldin's neglected an' famine expected. 

My plow in the meadow a roost for the crows. 
An"* little it matters, my poor heart in tatters. 

For a corpse on the board I'll be stretched for you soon; 
Or wid ribbons all flyin', I'll laugh while you're erym', 

Then wed where you will, cruel Molly Muldoon. 
I've a heart true an' tender to love you forever, 

Five cows an' a cowlt, an' a guinea to spare; 
Not to mention my faction, the soul of a ruction, 

Mayrone can't they scatter the fun ov a fair. 
But lon^legged Mullen and crooked-eyed Cullen, 

They brag of your smiles, but I'll alter their tone; 
For there's murther a-brewin' an' all of your doin', 

I'm losin' my sowl for you, Molly Muldoon. 
But I don't care a rap if I never see glory, 

He's not in shoe leather who'll take you from me; 
An' for all your sweet sehamin' the end of the story 
. Will tell in my favor, a calleen machree. 
For I know in your heart there's a spark for me burnin , 

No sehamin' can smother, so whisper aroon; 
'Tis a fortnight to Lent, an' you'll never repent. 

If we're one for the ashes, sweet Molly Muldoon. 



THE GREEN 1LAG. 

Boys' fill your glasses, each hour that passes 

Steals, it may be, on our last night's cheer; 
The day soon shall come, boys, with fife and 
drum, boys, 

Breaking shrilly on the soldier s ear. 
Drink to the faithful hearts that love us, 

'Mid to-morrow's thickest fight; 
While our green flag floats above us, 

Think, boys, 'tis for them we smite. 
Down with each mean flag, none but the green 
flag 

Shall above us be in triumph seen ; 
Oh! think on its -lory, long shrined in story, 

Charge for Erin and her flag of green! 

Think on old Brian, war's mighty lion. 

'Neath that banner 'twas lie smote the Dane: 
The Northman and Saxon oft turned their 
backs on, 

Those who bore it o'er each crimsoned plain. 
Beal-an-atha-Buidhe beheld it 

Bagenal's fiery onset curb; 
Scotch Mimroe would fain have felled it, 

We, boys, followed him from red Beinnhurb. 

Charged with Eoghan for our flag of green ! 
flag 

Shall above us be in triumph seen; 
Oh! think on its glory, long shrined in story, 

Charged with Eognan for our flag of green! 

And if at eve, boys, comrades shall grieve, boys, 

O'er our corses, let it be with pride; 
When thinking that each, boys, on that red 
beach, boys, 

Lies the flood-mark of the battle's tide. 
See! the first faint ray of morning 

Gilds the east with yellow light! 
Hark! the bugle note gives warning — 

One full bumper to old friends tonight. 
Down with each mean flag, none but the green 
flag 

Shall above us be in triumph seen: 
Oh! think on its glory, long shrined in story, 

Fall or conquer for our flag of green ! 

KATTY AVOURNEEN. 

'Twas a cold winter's night, and the tempest 
was snarlin', 
The snow, like a sheet, covered cabin and 
stye, . t 

When Barney flew over the hills to his darlin , 
And tapped at the window where Katty did 
lie. 
"Arrah! jewel," said he, "are ye sleepin' ot 
wakin' ? 
The night's bitter cold, an' my coat it is 
thin : 
Oh! the storm 'tis a brewin', the frost it is 
bakin', 
Oh! Katty Avourneen, you must let me in." 

" Arrah ! Barney," cried she, an' she spoke 
thro' the window, 
" Ah ! would ye be taking me out of my bed? 
To come at this time it's a shame an' a sin, 
too — 
It's whisky, not love, that's got into your 
head. 



98 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



KATTY AVOTJRNEEN.— Continued. 
If your heart it was true, of my fame you'd 
be tender, 
Consider the time, an' there's nobody in; 
Oh ! what has a poor girl but her name to de- 
fend her? 
No, Barney Avourneen, I won't let you in." 
" Ah ! eushla," cried he, " it's my heart is a 
fountain 
That weeps at the wrong it might lay at 
your door: 
V iur name is more white than the snow on the 
. ' >> ntain, 
And Barney would die to preserve it as 
pure. 
I'll go to my home, though the winter winds 
fare me, 
I'll whistle them off, for I'm happy within; 
An' the words of my Kathleen will comfort 
and bless me; 
'Oh! Barney Avourneen. I won't let you 
in.' " J 

O'DONNELL ABU. 
Proudly the note of the trumpet i- sounding, 

Loudly the war-cries arise on the gale; 
Fleetly the sted of Loc Suilig is bounding, 
To join the thick squadrons in Saimear's 
green vale. 
On, every mountaineer, 
Strangers to flight and fear. 
Rush to the standard of dauntless Red 
Hugh ! 
Bonnought and Gallowglass, 
Throng from each mountain pass, 
On for old Erin — O'Donnell abu! 
Princely O'Neill to our aid is advancing 

With many a chieftain and warrior-elan; 
A thousand proud steeds in his vanguard are 
prancing 
'Neath the borders brave from the banks of 
The Bann. 
Many a heart shall quail 
Under its coat of mail, 
Deeply the merciless tyrants shall rue; 
When on his ear shall ring, 
Borne on the breeze's wing, 
Tyrconnell's dread war-cry — O'Donnell abu! 
( Wildly o'er Desmond the war-wo!f is howling, 
; Fearless the eagle sweeps oeer the plain ; 
iThe fox in the streets of the city is prowling, 
All — all who could scare them are banished 
or slain. 
Grasp, every stalwart hand. 
Hackbut and battle-brand, 
i Pay them all back the deep debt so long 
due; 
Norris and Clifford well 
Can of Tir-Conaill tell- 
Onward to glory — O'Donnell abu! 
Sacred the cause that Clan-Conaill's defending, 
The altar we kneel at, and homes of our 
sires; 
Ruthless the ruin the foe is extending, 
Midnight is red with the plunderers' fires. 
On with O'Donnell then, 
Fight the old light again, 
Sons of Tir-Conaill, all valiant and true; 
Make the false Savon feel 
Erin's avenging steel, 
Strike for your country — O'Donnell abu! 



OULD IRELAND SO GREEN. 

MlCKET Doolan was one of them boys as went lighting, 

And breaking of skulls on St. Patrick's Day; 
There was meetin's of factions, and rowin'a and ructions; 

Aud murderous deeds — ah! the devil to pay! 
He went armed wid an illigant sprig of shillalah. 

Says Biddy, his wife, " Is it tightin' ye mean 
Says Mickey. " Don't bother — go hometo your mother; 

I'm going out to fight for ould Ireland so green." 



Choeus. 

There's Billy O'Mulligan, Jimmy : Sullivan, 
Barney O'Toole and Johnny Mackay; 

And Bobby o'Ryan and Shemua O'Brien. 

Goiif tightin' and tcarin' — it's St. Patrick's Day. 



Well, we meets Danny Looran. and says to him: " Dannv, 

Have ye come out to fight foi eeo or the Pope?" 

Says Dan. "It don't matter, for both <n for ei1 

So long as 1 light, that's sufficient, I hope! " 
Says Mick. " That'll do," and wid a shout of - Hurroo! " 

He jumped on Dan's coat, and smashed his eaubeen; 
And they nearly got murdered, hut each of them knew, 

That he fought for his country — old Ireland >o green. — Ciiorus. 



When they'd done with each other, they sat down to rest, 

And they felt that they both a good "action had done: 
They'd fought for their country and bled for their hoi 

And nearly got murdered and relished the fun: 
Then they both went together to tight t-ide by side, 

And they met Larry Moore walking calm and serene; 
So they broke in his skull, and knocked in his teeth. 

And jumped on his chest — for ould Ireland so green. — Chorus. 



Well, they got in a tangle and hit right and left, 

And smashed at each other — the blood flowed galore ; 
And Danny hit Larry, and Larry hit Danny, 

And Michael from both of them made the blood pour! 
Then they all fell at once, and they sprawled on the ground, 

Both Danny and Larry and Michael between ; 
But they wouldn't let go, so they all went together, 

And rolled in a ditch — for ould Ireland so green. — Chorus. 



Now some more sons of Erin were fighting for freedom, 

As they rowled in the ditch, heard them patriots cry; 
But they oon fished 'em out, and for love of Home Rule, boys, 

They gave 'em a thrashin' before they were dry I 
Then they all at once felt as they wanted some' liquor, 

So away they went to a whisky shebeen: 
And they murdered the keeper and smoked his tobaccy, 

nd emptied the till for ould Ireland so green. — Chorus. 

They'd just one more scrimmage before they wor partin', 

And there wasn't so many got off with their lives; 
But them as wor left of them true sons of Erin, 

Arrived Bafely home and pitched into their wives, 
Danny Looran forgot where he left his right eyeball, 

And Larry Moore's face wasn't tit to be seen, 
And Mickey wor tired, and wouldn't go walking. 

So rode home on a shutter for ould Ireland so "green. — Chorus. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



99 



BILLY O'ROURKE. 

Faith! 1 greased my brogues and took my stick the twentieth 

day of May, sirs, 
Then off to Dublin town I tripped to walk upon the sea, sirs; 
To see if I could get employ to cut their hay and corn, sirs, 
To pick up pence upon the sea the cockneys I might larn, sirs. 

Chorus. 

With my phillaloo and heart so true, 
Arrah! Billy O'Rourke's the boy, sirs. 

I gave the Captain six thirteens to carry me o'er to Porgate, 
But before we got half o'er the road the wind it blew at a hard 

rate ; 
The sticks that grew up through the ship they sang out like a 

whistle, 
And the sailors all, both great and small, they swore we's going to 

the devil. 

The ship she sang us all to sleep till they came to the place of 

landing, 
And those that were most fatigued, the sails ere ou^ a-handing; 
They looked so smart they won my heart — says 1 : You fools of 

riches, 
Although you've no tails to your coats you've money in your 

breeches. 

I met an honest gentleman a-traveling the road sirs, 

Good morning, says I, pray how do you do? but he proved a mighty 

rogue, sirs ; 
For, at the corner of a lane a pistol he pulled out, sirs, 
And he rammed the muzzle, arrah, what a shame, into my very 

mouth, sirs. 

Your money, blast your Irish eyes! arrah! be merciful, cried I, 

sirs. 
He swore my brains he would blow out if I should bawl or cry, 

sirs; 
He leveled fair just for my sconce, three steps I did retire, sirs, 
His pan it flashed and his head I smashed — my shillelah don't miss 

fire, sir. 

A widow next did me employ all for to cut and thrash, sirs, 
No man like me could handle a flail, in troth, I was a dasher; 
She had a maid who used me well, but I, being afraid o' the 

beadle, 
Bid her good morning, Madam, says I, I think you'll have use for 

your cradle! 

PADDY MILES. 

From the big town of Limerick lately I came, 

I left Ireland solely bekase of my name ; 

For if anything wint wrong, or a mischief 'twas done, 

Shure they'd lave all the blame on my mother's own son. 

So my name now is Paddy O'Connor, 

'Pon an Irishman's thrue word and honor; 

Oh, misfortune my curse light upon her, 

'Twas she christened me Paddy Miles. 

If a windy was broke, or a house robbed of tiles, 

And you'd ax who done that, shure they d say Paddy Miles; 

Who was it set fire to his reverence's wig? 

And cut the tail off Pat Flanigan's pig? 

Who was it called Mishes Muloney a scollup? 

And gave Paddy McGee's cat the jallop? 

Some blackguards would hit me a wallop 

And say it was you, Paddy Miles. 

LofC. 



PADDY MAGEE'S DREAM. 

John" Bull he was an Englishman, 

And went to tramp one day. 
With three-pence in his pocket 

To take him a long way ; 
He tramped along for miles and miles, 

Yet no one did he see, 
Till he fell in with an rishman. 

Whose name was Paddy Magee. 

Good morning, Pat, said John to him, 

Where are you going to? 
Says Paddy: I hardly know myself, 

I want a job to do. 
Have you got any money about you? 

Said John Bull unto Pat. 
Says Pat: It's the only thing I'm wanting, 

For 1 haven't got a rap. 

Then they overtook a Scotchman, 

Who, like them, was out of work; 
To judge by his looks, he was hard up 
j And as hungry as a Turk. 

Can you lend me a shilling, Scotty? 

At last said Paddy Mag< i . 
I'm sorry I canna, said the Scotchman, 

For I ha'e na got ane baubce. 

Said the Englishman, I three-pence have, 

What shall we do with that '.' 
Och! buy three-pen'orth of whisky, 

It will cheer us up, said Pat. 
Nay, dinna do that, said the Scotchman, 

I'll tell thee the best to do : 
Just buy three-pence worth of oat-meal, 

I'll make some nice burgoo. 

Now I think we had better buy a loaf, 

The Englishman did say; 
And then in yonder hay-stack 

Our hunger sleep away. 
We can get a drink of water 

From yonder purling stream, 
And the loaf shall be his in the morning, 

Who has the greatest dream. 

The Englishman dreamt by the morning, 

Ten million men had been 
For ten years digging a turnip up, 

The largest ever seen ; 
At last they got the turnip up, 

By working night and day ; 
Then it took five million horses 

This turnip to pull away. 

Said the Scotchman: I've been dreaming 

Fifty million men had been 
For fifty years making a boiler, 

The largest ever seen. 
What was it for? said the Englishman, 

Was it made of copper or tin? 
It was made of copper, said Scotty, 

To boil your turnip in. 

Och! said Paddy, I've been dreaming 

An awful great big dream; 
I dreamt I was in a hay-stack, 

By the side of a purling stream, 
I dreamt that you and Scotty was there, 

As true as I'm an oaf; 
By the powers! I dreamt I was hungry, 

So I got up and eat the loaf. 



100 



IlND ballads OF IREL '. 



PADDV MILES Coni itued. 

I worked in the bogs and behaved, as I thought, 
From mj master, Mick Flynn, a character brought; 

But il dune me no good, and I thought that was odd, 
So I made nj) my mind for to leave the ould sod. 
For the devil a wan would employ me. 
The girls there they would annoy me; 
They threatened at once to destroy i 
All bekase I was called Paddy M 

Who cut off one of the tails of Pat Flanigan's coat? 

And who broke the left horn of Ned Shaughn ssy's goat? 

Who through the hack door to tne i hapel got in, 

And drank all the wine, blood and ounds, what a sin! 

Who half-murdered a poorhouse inspector? 

And fired at a police detector; 

When Miss Fagan, they tried to eject her? 

Who was it, hut you, Paddy Miles? 

I trotted to Dublin to look for a place, 

Tho' they'd ne'er saw me tnere, faix, they all knew my face; 

The jackeens kept calling meself to annoy, 

There i es Paddy Miles, he's a Limerick boy! 

Till I flourished my sprig of shillelah, 

And smattered theii g >bs so genl :elly; 

When the blood it began to How freely, 

Said [, How do you like Paddy Miles? 

In shoi i. before long to this county I came, 

And found Paddy Miles here was the same; 

If my name wasn't changed I was likely to starve, 

Tor had luck to the master could I sarve. 

So Paddy O'Connor it is made, sir, 

An' if you wish to get a smart blade, sir, 

Be me soul, then, you need not be afraid, sir, 

For to hire me — I'm not Paddy Miles. 

THE EXILES (IF ERIN. 

Green were the fields where my forefathers dwelt, 

O! Erin, mavourneen, slan leat go brah! 
Though our farm was small, yet comforts we felt, 

O! Erin, mavouneen, slan leat go brah! 
At length came the day when our lease did expire, 
And fain would I live where before lived my sire; 
But ah! well a-day! I was forced to retire, 

O! Erin, mavourneen! slan leat go brah! 

Though the laws i obeyed, no protection I found, 

O! Erin, mavourneen! slan leat go brah! 
With what grief I beheld my cot burned to the ground, 

O! Erin, mavourneen! slan leal go brah! 
Forced from my home — yea, from where 1 was born, 
To range the wide world — poor, helpless, forlorn: 
I look back with regret, and my heart strings arc torn, 

O! Erin, mavourneen! slan leat go brah! 

With principles pure, patriotic and firm, 

O! Erin, mavourneen! slan leat go brah! 
To my country attached, and a friend to reform, 

O! Erin, mavourneen! slan leal go brah! 
1 supported old Ireland — was ready to die for it, 
If her foes e'er prevailed 1 was ell known to sigh for it; 
If her foes e'er prevailed I was well known to sigh for it; 

0! Erin, mavourneen! slan leat go brah! 



But hark! I hear sounds, aid my heart is stron 
O! Erin, mavourneen! slan leat go brah! 

Loud cries for redress, and avaunt on ret reating, 
()! Erin, mavourneen! slan leat go brah! 

We have numbers, and numbers do constitute pow'r — 

Let ns will to be free — and we're free from that hour; 

Of Ilibernia's brave sons, oh ! we feel we're the flower — 
Bole yudh, mavourneen! Erin go brah! 



beating, 



THE GATHERING OK THE MAHONYS. 

Jebbt Maiio.w. arrah, my i let us 

he oil' to the fair, 
For the Donovans all in the; 

ta'mly mean to be I here; 
Say they, "The whole Mahony II 

banish 'em out clear and clean." 
But it neve! was yet in their breeches I 

bullaboo words to maintain. 

There's Darby to head us, and Barney, as civil 

a man as J et sp< 
'Twould make your mouth water to se - him 

just giving a bit of a stroke. 
There's Corney, the ban I tailor, a 

of the true sort of stuff, 
\\ no'i the black blood was flowing 

like butter-milk out of his bull. 

There'.- broken-nose Bat from the mountain — 

last week he burst out of jail — 
And Mmty the beautiful Tory, who'd soorn in 

a row to turn tail : 
Bloody Bill will be there like a darling — .aid 

Jerry — och! let him alone, 
For giving his blackthorn a flourish, or lifting 

a Lump of a stone I 

And Tim, who'd served in the militia, has his 

bayonet stuck on a pole; 
Foxy Dick has his scythe in good order — a neat 

sort of tool on the whole: 
A cudgel I see is your weapon, and never I 

knew it to fail ; 
But I think that a man is more handy who 

lights, as I do, with a Hail. 

We muster a hundred shellelahs. all handled 

by ilegant men. 
Who battered the Donovans often, and now 

will go do it again ; 
To-day we will teach them some manners, and 

show that, in spite of their talk, 
We still, like our fathers before us. are surely 

the cocks of the walk. 

After cutting out worK for the sexton by 

smashing a dozen or so. 
We'll ( pi it in the utmost of splendor, and down 

to Peg Slatterv's go; 
In gallons we'll wash down the battle, and 

drink to the next merry day. 
When mustering again in a body we all shall 

go leathering away. 



LANK: AX'S BALL. 

Ix the town of Athy one Jereniv Lani 

Battered away til'l he had'nt a pou 
His father he died and made him a man again. 

Left him a farm and ten acres of ground! 
He gave a grand party to friends and rela- 
tions 
Who hadn't forgot him when sent to the 
wall; 
And if you'll just listen, I'll make your eyes 
glisten 
With the rows and the ructions of Lanigan's 
ball. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



101 



LANIGAN'S BALL.— Continued. 

plyself, of course, got free invitations 

For all the nice boys and girls I'd ask, 
And in less than a minute the friends and re- 
lations 

Were dancing away like bees round a cask. 
Miss O'Hara, the nice little milliner, 

Tipped me the wink to give her a call, 
And soon I arrived with Timothy Glenniher 

Just in time for Lanigan's ball. 

There was lashins of punch and wine for the 
ladies, 
Potatoes and cakes and bacon and tay, 
The Nolans and Doolans and all the O'Gradys 

Were courtin' the girls and dancin' away. 
Songs there were as plenty as water, 

From " The Harp that once thro' Tai a's 
ould Hall," 
To " Sweet Nelly Gray " and " The Ratcatch- 
er's Daughter," 
All singing together at Lanigan's ball. 

They were startin' all sorts of nonsensical 
dances. 

Turning around in a nate whirligig : 
But Julia and I soon scatthered their fancies, 

And tipped them the twist of a rale Irish 

jig- 
Och mavrone! 'twas she that as glad o' me; 
We danced till we thought the ceilin' would 
fall 
(For I spent three weeks in Burke's Academy 
Learning a step for Lanigan's ball ) . 

The boys were all merry, the girls were all 
hearty, 
Dancin' away in couples and groups, 
When an accident happened — young Terence 
McCarty 
He put his right foot through Miss Hallo- 
ran's hoops. 
The creature she fainted, and cried " Millia 
murther ! " 
She called all her friends and gathered them 
all. 
Ned Carmody swore he'd not stir a step fur- 
ther, 
But have satisfaction at Lanigan's ball. 

In the midst of the row Miss Kerrigan 
fainted — 
Her cheeks all the while were as red as the 
rose — 
Some of the ladies declared she was painted, 

She took a small drop of potheen, I suppose. 

Her lover, Ned Morgan, so pow'rful and able, 

When he saw his dear colleen stretched out 

by the wall, 

He tore the left leg from under the table 

And smashed all the china at Lanigan's ball. 

Ch, boys, there was the ructions — 

Myself got a lick irom big l'helim McHugh, 
But I soon replied to his kind introductions, 

And kicked up a terrible hullabaloo. 
Old Shamus the piper had like to be stran- 
gled, 
They squeezed up his pipes, bellows, chant- 
ers and all ; 
The girls in their ribbons they all got en- 
tangled, 
And that put an end to Lanigan's ball. 



FLAG OF OUR LAND. 

Flag of our Land, that oft has streamed through battle's lurid 

blaze and smoke, 
When the long ranks were wrapped in flame, and in the shock the 

legions broke, 
Flag of our Land! for you, for us they say the sun of hope has set, 
We give them back the craven lie! we're shattered, but not beaten 

yet. 



The Norman trampled on your folds, the Norman trampled on us, 

too; 
And Saxon hate and native guile did all the wreck that Hell could 

do. 
Not coward-like, but wild for fight, have we and they in conflict 

met, 
We've borne the loss for centuries; repulsed, but never beaten yet. 

This isle is ours, its plains and hills, from center to the utmost 

sea, 
We tread its soil, we speak its tongue, we dearly pray to see it 

free. 
Patience and faith shall do the work, and earnestness shall win the 

debt; 
Hark you who still have hearts to toil; we're scattered, but not 

beaten yet. 

While in this Irish Land there lives the spirit of an Irish race, 
The pluck that smiles at worst reverse and meets disaster face to 

face, 
By Heaven and all the shining stars, around the throne of Godhead 

set, 
The future teems with hope for us; we're watchful, but not beaten 

yet. 

"Perish the past! " the patriot cried; ay, let the mournful ages 

go, 
With bitter feud, the curse of hate, they've made our heritage of 

woe. 
Into the darkness of our doom a ray of nobler glory let ; 
Seize fast the present; years to come they'll swear we were not 

beaten yet. 

Down with the feuds of vanished years, tney waste oui" breath, 

they break our strength ; 
A nobler creed, a nobler life, 'tis ours to preach and fill at length. 
Flag of our Land, float high and fair; they lie who say our sun 

has set; 
God and the future still are ours; we live, and are net beaten 

yet. 

THE FELON'S LOVE. 

" Gracie O'Donnell — oh ! why sit you there, 
Twining so calmly your bright yellow hair, 
Wait you a lover to come from Knockbwee, 
When the brown moon arises on mountain and sea ": 

" You have eyes like the starlight on Nephin's gray peak, 
There is bloom on your lips — why the snow on your cheek? 
The smile on thy face, gentle maiden, is gone, 
And the touch of your fingers is cold as the stone." 

" I wait not a lover to come from Knockbwee, 
My lover's in chains on the wide swelling sea, 
O, Willie mavowrneen, when traitors stood high, 
The foe felt the galnce of your clear flashing eye. 



102 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE FALUN'S LOVE.— Continued. 
"You loved me, asthorc, and your heart broke across, 
When you thought of the parting, th sorrow and loss, 
But you knew your own Grade would wither in shame, 
If the brand of a traitor was placeu on your name. 

" They called you a felon — they chained you as one — 
And made you' the brother of Emmet and Tone; 
Oh! prinees might envy that title to-day, 
For the sake of the hearts lying down in the clay. 

"Yes. a traitor to England — a foe of its race, 

You proudly looked up to the black tyrant's face: 

Twas the crime of our fathers— their sons stand up now, 

With that mark of a traitor stamped plain on each brow. 

" The last kiss I've pressed on your lips and your cheek, 
The last word you've heard for your Gracie to speak; 
The last time I've looked on my brave Willie's face, 
And left the wild clasp of a felon's unbrace. 

" I am twining my hair, for a bridal is near, 

By the walls of Kilkeevan they'll carry a bier, 

For the felon's true love could not live while the brand 

Was not flashing on high in the grasp of his hand." 

THE OLD FARMER'S DISCOURSE. 

I've a pound for to spend and a pound for to lend, 
And ca de me la fal ha kind words for a friend; 
No mortal I envy, no master I own, 
No lord in his castle or king on his throne. 
Come fill up your glasses, the first cup we will draw 
To the comrades we lost on the red battle's plain. 
Well cherish the fame, boys, who died long ago, 
And what's that to any man whether or no? 

The spinning-wheel stops and my girls grow pale, 
\\ hilst their mothers are telling some sorrowful tale 
Of old cabins leveled, or coffinless grave-. 
Or ships swallowed up in salt ocean's waves. 
Girls, that's over, and for each of you now 
I have twenty-five pounds and a three-year-old cow; 
We'll have lana-walla at your weddings I trow, 
And what's that to any man whether or no? 

Come here, bana-tharjua, sit beside me awhile, 

And the pride of your heart let me read in your smile. 

Would you give your old home for the lordlcss hall? 

You glance at my rifle thai hangs on the wall, 

And your two gallant sons on parade day are seen 

In (he ranks of the brave 'neath the banners of green. 

We have taught them to ;uard i1 traitor or foe, 

And what's that to any man whether or no? 

And the youngest of all is the white h aded boy, 

The pulse of our heart and our pride and our joy ; 

From the dance and the hurling he - E to pray, 

And will wander alone by the 1 

He's as : .'oocl as the priest at his Latin I h 

Through college, plase Goodness, we'll next year. 

Oh, he'll offer the Mass For our souls when we go, 

And what's that to any man whether or no? 

Your hands then, old neighbors, one more cup will drain, 

/,/ faltha, again and again, 
May dis ason keep far from our shore, 

Ami fin- i 1 peace light our homes ever more. 

He's th i good fellows, the poor honest man. 

So well live and be merry as long as we ran: 
We'll cling to old Ireland through weal and through woe, 
And what's that to any man whether or no? 



SHAMROCK CN PATRICK'S DAY. 

There's one day in the year that I'll always 
obsei • >• 
As long as I've one breath of life. 
To our patron saint my memory will serve, 

And 1 haven't the least fear of strife. 
But with pleasure and freedom, I'll sing and 
I'll dance, 
While the piper his tunes sweetly play; 
Each lad and his colleen can gambol and 
prance, 
While we drown the green shamrock on Pat- 
rick's Day. 

Chorus. 

Patrick's Day! Saint Patrick's Day! 

Throw aside coffee and tea ; 
Fill up your glasses, then drink to ^ our 
lasses, 
And we'll drown the green shamrock on 
Patrick's Day. 

Now, the seventeenth of March is our natal 
day. 
And we celebrate it with great joy; 
From the gray-haired old man and old woman, 
too, 
To the smallest of spalpeens or boy. 
No true Irishmen could then miss a fair, 

But to town, sure they rode all the way 
On their donkeys and cars, siir ■. they tome 
near and far. 
To drown the green shamrock on Patrick's 
Day. — Choetjs. 

We're not selfish at all on our open fields, 

All are welcome to join : 
So come up every one of ye. take a hand in, 

In the merriment ye can purloin. 
And while the piper has wind for to blow, 

And his nimble ringers can play. 
We'll stay till the wee small hours of the morn. 

To drown the green shamrock on Patrick's 
Day. — Choi: i S. 

OLD LANDMARKS OX TDK SHANNON. 

We stand by the bridge, in the level morning. 

And the saffron water below us (lows — 
Saffron save where, in yon eastern inlet, 

The light, has deepened its bloom to rose. 
There is the city, good Master Leonard, 

Tailor and poet, sir, as you are. 
And here am I with my heart to bursting, 

Gossiping under the huge bright star: 
There is tin' i ity will: roof and easement, 

Belfry and steeple, of which we - 
When we were boys in St. Michael's parish: 

llun was the time for a man to be youn 

Then the city — 1 still keep thinking — 

Looked gayer, grander, fairer than now. 
\nii say it didn't: "Not half as splendid." 

And I object witli my next best bow. 
Hark I 'tis the bell of St. Dominie ringing, 

Ah, weary music that bell to m< ; 
For 1 remember another mi 

In days that I never again shall see. 

Heavy— heavy monotonous tolling 

Out from the belfry this morning's rung: 

recall when the saint kept singii 
NOW i> the time for a man to be young. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



103 



OLD LANDMARKS.- -Continued. 

Oh, the delight of the Sunday mornings, 

And the country folks at the chapel door; 
And the golden blaze from the lolly windows 

That slanted in on the crowded lloor. 
Far off the altar, the priests, the incense — 

The sound of the gong, the sigh of the soul, 
And over the heads of the congregation 

The curtained organ's terrible roll. 
The green leaves danced on the yellow case- 
ment, 

Each separate leaf like a narrow tongue; 
And the old roof branded in restless shadow, 

That was the time for a man to be young. 

I'm not pious, and not alfeeted; 

I like the life of a true, straight man, 
I strike the world whenever it strikes me, 

And do my duty as best I can. 
But, Master Leonard, you will believe me, 

I'd give the best fame that the world has 
made, 
Throw fortune in with a "God go with you," 

To pray one prayer now as then I prayed. 

" WON'T YOU LEAVE US A LOCK OF YOUR 
HAIR ? " 

" The night is fresh and calm, love, 
The birds are in their bowers, 
And the holy light 
Of the moon falls bright 
On the beautiful sleeping llowers. 
Sweet Nora, are you wakingf 
Ah! don't you hear me spoking f 
My heart is well nigh breaking 

For the love of you, Nora dear. 
Ah! why don't you speak, mavrone? 
Sure I think that you're made of stone, 
Just like Venus of old, 
All so white and so cold, 
But no morsel of flesh and bone. 

" There's not a soul astir, love, 
No sound fall9 on the ear 
But that rogue of a breeze 
That's whispering the trees. 
Till they tremble all through with fear. 
Ah! them happy (lowers that's creeping 
"I'd your window where you're sleeping — 
Sure they're not chide for peeping 
At your beauties, my Nora dear. 
You've the heart of a Turk, by my sowl, 
To leave me perched here like an owl ; 
'Tie treatment too bad 
For a true-hearted lad 
To be starved like a desolate fowl. 

"You know the vow you made, love, 
You know we tixed the day; 
And here I'm now 
To claim that vow, 
And carry my bride away. 
So, Nora, don't be staying 
For weeping or for praying — 
There's danger in delaying, 

Sure maybe I'd change my mind; 
For you know T'm a bit of a rake, 
And a trifle might tempt me to break — 
Faix, hut for your blue eye. 
I've a notion to try 
What a sort of old maid you'd make." 



COME BACK TO ERIN. 

Come back to Erin, mavourneen, mavourneen, 

Come back, aroon, to the land of thy birth, 
Come with the shamrocks and springtime, mavourneen, 

And its Killarney snail ring with our mirth. 
Sure when we left you to beauiilul England, 

Little we thought of the lone winter days, 
Little we thought of the hush of the starshine, 

Over the mountains, the bluffs, and the braes! 

Choei 
Come back to Erin, mavourneen, mavourneen, 

Come back again to the land of thy birth; 
Come back to Erin, mavourneen, mavourneen, 

And its Killarney shall ring with our mirth. 

Over the green sea, mavourneen, mavourneen, 

Long shone the white sail that bore thee away, 
Riding the white waves that fair summer mornin', 

Just like a May flower afloat on the bay. 
Oh, but my heart sank when clouds came between us. 

Like a gray curtain, the rain fall intr down, 
Hid from my sad eyes the path o'er the ocean, 

Far, far away where my colleen had flown. 

Oh, may the angels, oh, waking and sleeping, 

Watch o'er my bird in the land far away; 
And it's my prayer will consign to their keeping 

Care of my jewel by night and by day. 
When by the fireside I watch the bright embers, 

Then all my heart flies to England and thee. 
Craving to know if my darling remembers. 

Or if her thoughts may be crossing to me. 

CAHAL MOR OF THE WIXE-RED HAND. 

I walked entranced 

Through a land of Morn ; 
The sun, with wondrous ex-ess of light, 
Shone down and g'aneed 
Over seas of corn, 
And lustrous gardens aleft and right. 
Even in the clime 
Of resplendent Spain 
Beams no such a sun upon such a land; 
But it was the time, 
'Twas in the reign 
Of Cahal Mnr of the Wine-red Hand. 
Anon stood nigh 
By my side a man 
Of prin e!y aspect and port sublime. 
Him queried I: 

" Oh, my lord and khan, 
What ciiine is this and what golden time?" 
When he: " The clime 
Is a clime to praise, 
The clime is Erin's, the green and bland; 
And it is the time. 
These be the days, 
Of Cahal Mor of the Wine red Hand." 
Then I saw thrones. 
And circling (ires, 
And a dome 'rose near me as by a spell, 
Whence flowed the tones 
Of silver lyres. 
And many voices in wreathed swell; 
And their thrilling chime 
Fell on mine ears 
As the heavenly-hymn of an angel band — 
"It is now t he t [me, 
These be the years, 
Of Cahal Mor of the Wine-red Hand." 



101 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



A LOCK OF YOUR HAIR.— Continued. 
"Ah! Dermot, win me nol. love, 
To be youi bride to-night ; 
iiow could I bear 
A mother's ten. 
A father's scorn and slight? 
So, Dermot, cease your suing — 
Don't work your Nora's ruin ; 
"f would be my sore undoing, 

If you're found at my window, dear." 
" Ah! for shame with your foolish alarms: 
Jus, drop into your Dermot's arms: 
Don't mind looking at all 
For your cloak or your shawl; 
They were made but to smother your charms. 

And now a dark cloud rising, 
Across the moon is cast ; 
The lattice opes 
And anxious hopes 
Make Dermot's heart beat fast: 
And soon a form entrancing, 
With arms and fair neck glancing 
Half shrinking, half advancing. 
Steps light on the lattice sill: 
When a terrible arm in the air 
Clutch 'd the head of the lover all bare; 
And a voice, with a scoff, 
Cried, as Dermot made oil', 
" Won't you leave us a lock of your hair? " 



THE OLD CHURCH. 

Tuou art crumbling to the dust, old pile! 

Thou art hastening to thy fall, 
And 'round thee in thy loneliness 

Clings the Ivy to the wall. 
The worshipers are scattered now 

Who knelt before thy shrine, 
And silence reigns where anthems rose 

In days of " Auld Lang Syne." 

And sadly sighs the wandering wind, 

Where oft, in years gone by. 
Prayers rose from many hearts to Him, 

The Highest of the High; 
The tramp of many a busy foot 
That sought thy aisles is o'er. 
And many a weary heart around 
Is still forever moi e. 

How doth Ambition's hope take wing, 

How droops the spirit now, 
We hear the distant city's din, 

The dead are mute below : 
The sun that shone upon their paths 

Now gilds their lonely graves, 
The zephyrs which once fanned their brows, 

The grass above them waves. 

Oh! could we call the many hack 

Who've gathered here in vain. 
Who've careless roved where we do now, 

Who'll never meet again; 
How would our very soul he stirred, 

To meet the earnest gaze 
Of the lovely an 1 i he beautiful, 

The lights of other da> 3. 



ONE OF THE BRAYK CONNAUGH1 RANGERS 

On the battle-field at midnight, stood a soldier a; his post, 
Thinking of his dear old country and of those he h>\<d the m -' : 
He could hear the muskets rattle, just like thunder in the air, 
But he dare not go amongst them, lor '" ou duty " he was there. 
Altho' but a private soldier, many brave deeds he haa done, 
And he knew that ere the morning tha fierce battle would he 

won ; 
But he little dreamt that he would never leave that place again — 
As he stood there meditating, he so cruelly was slain. 

Chorus. 

He was one of the brave Connaught Rangers, one of old Erin's 

sups. 
While thinking of home, far across the blue foam, he fell by 

the enemies' guns, 
Hut he died like a true Irish soldier, deny it, now nobody can. 
For his life he did yield on that fierce battle-field, like a brave 

righting Irishman. 

From behind he bullet struck him, and he fell down with a cry. 
"Mother, is it true that 1 am at last about to die? 
I was just this moment thinking of the day when I should see 
Once again your loving features at the home so dear to me ; 
Mother, darling, God protect you; when I'm gone what will you 

do? 
It is hard to die so early, in the midst of glory, too. 
Hark! I hear the angels calling; yes, I'm dying, there's no 

doubt ; 
But we've on a splendid battle, for I hear my comrades shout. 

— Chorus. 

Soon his comrades did surround him, but, alas! it was too late. 
That brave soldier lad was dying, soon he'd reach the golden 

gate ; 
Shortly they could hear him murmur, " Sweetheart, do not grieve 

for me, 
But remember that your loved helped to win this victory." 
Up then he was gently lifted, taken to his resting place — 
Oh! it was a solemn moment, tears were on each soldier's face; 
Those men who had just been fighting, stood with helmet in 

their hand, 
For they knew that noble spirit had gone to another land. — 

Chorus. 

THE DEATH OF OWEN ROE. 

"Did they dare — did they dare, to slay Owen Roe 0'NeilH " 

" Yes, they slew with poison him they feared to meet with steel." 

" May ( lod wither up their hearts. May their blood cease to 

flow, 
May they walk in living death, who poisoned Owen Roe! 

Though it break my heart to hear say again the bitter words." 
" From Deny, against Cromwell, he marched to measure swords, 
But the weapon of the Saxon met him on his way. 
And he died at Clough-Oughter, upon St. Leonard's day." 

"Wail— wail ye for The Mightv One! Wail — wail ye for the 

Dead ; 
Quench the hearth, and hold the breath — with aslus strew the 

head. 
How tenderly we loved him! How deeply we deplore! 
Holy Saviour! but to think we shall never see him more. 

"Sagest in the council was he.— kindest in the hall, 
Sine we never won a battle — 'twas Owen won them all. 

had he lived, our dear country hid been free; 

but he's dead, and 'tis slaves we' 1 ! ever be. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IREL 



105 



THE DEATH OF OWEN ROE.— Continued. 

" O'Farrell and Clanrickard, Preston and Red Hugh, 
Audley and MacMahon — ye are valiant, wise, and true; 
But what — what are ye all to our darling who is ^one? 
The rudder of our Ship was he, our Castle's corner-stone ! 

" Wail— wail him through the Island. Weep— weep for our 

pride ! 
Would that on the battle-field our gallant chief had died! 
Weep the Victor of Benburb — weep him, young and old; 
Weep for him, ye women — your beautiful lies cold ! 

'• We thought you would not die — we were sure you would not 

And leave us in our utmost need to Cromwell's cruel blow — 
Sheep without a sheperd, when the snow shuts out the sky — 
Oh! why did you leave us, Owen? Why did you die? 

"Soft as a woman's was your voice, O'Neill! bright was 3'our 

eye. 
Oh, why did you leave us, Owen? why did you die? 
Your troubles are all over, you're at rest with God on high; 
But we're slaves, and we're orphans, Owen! — why did vou 

die ? " 

ST. PATRICK WAS A GENTLEMAN. 

St. Patrick was a gentleman, and came of decent people: 
In Dublin town he built a church and on't he put a steeple: 
His father was O'Houlihan. his mother was a lady. 
His uncle was O'Shaughnessy, and his aunt a Widow Grady. 
Then success to bold St. Patrick's fist, 

He was a saint so clever. 
He gave the snakes and toads a twist, 
And banished them forever! 

■Oh! Feltrim Hill is very high, so is the Hill of Howth, too, 
But there's a hill that is hard by, much higher than them both 

too: 
Twas on the top of this high hill St. Patrick preached a sarmin, 
He made the frogs skip thro' the bogs, and banished all the 

varmin! 

There's not a mile in Ireland's Isle where the dirty varmin 

musters; 
Where'er he put his dear fore foot, he murdered them in 

clusters: 
The toads went hop, the frogs went pop, slap-haste into the 

waters, 
And the snakes committed suicide to save themselves from 

slaughter. 

Nina hundred thousand vipers blue he charmed with sweet dis- 
courses, 

And dined on them at Killaloe, in soups and second courses; 

When blind-worms crawling on the grass disgusted the whole 
nation, 

He gave them a rise, and opened their eyes to a sense of their 
situation. 

Oh, then, should I be so fortunate as to get back to Minister, 
Sure I'll be bound that from that ground I ne'er again will once 

stir ; 
'Twas there St. Patrick planted turf, and plenty of the praties. 
With pigs galore, machree asthore! and buttermilk and ladies! 

No wonder that we Irish lads should be so free and frisky, 
Since St. Patrick taught us first the knack of drinking of good 

whisky ; 
Twas he that brew'd the best of malt, and understood distilling. 
For his mother she kept a shebeen shop in the town of Innis- 

killen! 



PAT'S LETTER. 

Well, .Mary, me darlint, I'm landed at last, 
And troth, though they tell me the st'amer 

was fast, 
[1 games as if years upon years had gone by 
Since Paddy looked mi ill yer beautiful eye! 
For Ainerikay, darlint — ye'll think it is 

quare — 
is twenty times furder than Cork from Kil- 

dare; 
And the say is that broad, and the waves are 

that high, 
Ye're tossed like a fut-ball 'twixt wather and 

sky ; 
And ye fale like a pratie just burstin' the 

shkin, 
That all ye can do is to howld yersilf in. 
Ochone! but, me jewel, the say may be grand, 
But, when ye come over, dear, travel on land! 

It's a wondherful counthry, this — so I am 

towld — ■ 
They'll not look at guineas, so chape is the 

gowld: 
And the three that poor mother sewed into my 

coat 
I sowld for a thrifle, on Paving the boat. 
And the qua rest of fashions ye iver have seen! 
They pay ye with picters all painted in green, 
And the crowds that are rushing here, morning 

and night, 
Would make the lord-lieutenant shake with 

the fright. 
The strates are that full that there's no one 

can pass, 
And the only law is, "Do not thread on the 

grass." 
Their grass is the quarest of shows — by me 

vow — 
For it wouldn't be munched by a Candlemas 

cow. 
Tell father I wint, as he bid me, to see 
His friend, Tim O'Shannon, from Killycaugh- 

nee. 
It's rowling in riches O'Shannon is now, 

With a wife and tin babies, six pigs and a 

cow, 
In a nate little house, standing down from the 

strate, 
With two beautiful rooms, and a pig-sty coin- 
plate. 
I thought of ye, darlint, and dramed such a 

drame! 
That mebbe, some day, we'd be living the 

same ; 
Though, troth, Tim O'Shannon's wife niver 

could dare 
(Poor yaller-skinned craythur) with yoh to 

compare : 
While, as for the pigs, shure 'twas aisy to see 
The bastes were not mint for this land of tha 

free. 

1 think of ye, darlint, from morning till n' 
And when I'm not thinking ye're still in 

sight! 
I see your blue eyes, with the sun in I 

glance — 
Your smile in the meadow, your fut in the 

dance. 



106 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



PAT'S LETTER.— Continued. 

I'll love ye, and thrust ye, both living and 
dead : 

(Let l'liil Blake look out for his carroty 
head!) 

I'm working, acushla, for you— only you! 

And I'll make ye a lady yit, if ye'll be true; 

Though, troth, ye can't climb Fortune's Fid- 
dlier so quick, 

Whin both of your shouldhers are loaded with 
brick. 

But I'll do it— I declare it, by— this and by 
that— 

Which ma ncs what I daren't say — from 

Your own Pat. 

ROBERT EMMET. 

Though over your ashes the grave grass tan- 
gles, 
And night winds moan 'round your clayey 

Vet a voice sounds forth in the silent 
watches — 
"0, martyred Emmet, thou art nut dead! " 
Not in the land that you loved and cherished, 

Not in the hearts of the Celtic race, 
For whose rights you strove, till the blood- 
marked pillars 
Of tyranny shook to their bone-made base! 

Death may come with his somber vestment 

To hide such hearts from our earthly ken; 
But the spirit within, no death nor darkness 

Can ever conceal from the gaze of men. 
To the doomful gibbet the tyrant led thee, 

And quenched life's flame in its lucent 
prime ; 
But no tyrant ever can dim the halo 

That rings thy name for all future time. 

Over thy urn no white shaft rises, 

No pompous mark of the s u ptor's art: 
But thy glorious name and thy grand achieve- 
ments 

Are graven forever on Ireland's heart! 
There alone let them stand recorded, 

Till vict'ry comes on the battle's flood 
To the deathless cause that was consecrated 

In the holy font of thy generous blood! 

Spirit that soared upon eagle pinions, 

And lived and died for a grand design, 
There's a radiant wreath in Hie future wait- 
ing 

The land that nurtured such soul as thine; 
O'er the weary years and the anxious vigils 

The Day of Deliverance yet will rise, 
And the hills shall echo a grand Te Drum 

For the martyrs' pray'rs and her exiles' 
sighs. 

Then with her chainless hand she'll fashion 

A garland meet for her martyr's tomb, 
And where now the graveyard nettle is trail- 
ing 

The tended lily shall sweetly bloom; 
And the pilgrim 'over thy green grave bending 

Shall murmur soft as his pray'r is clone — 
"It wasn't in vain you died, oh. Emmet, 

For the cause you championed at last is 
won! " 



POOR PAT MUST EMIGRATE 

Fake you well, poor Erin's isle! 1 now must have you for a 
while, 
The rents and taxes are so high 1 ran no longer stay ; 
From Dublin's quay 1 sailed away, and landed here but yester- 
day* 
Me shoes and breeches, and shirts, r.ow are all that 3 in my 
1 have dropped in to tell you now the sights 1 have seen b< 

I go, 
Of the ups and downs in Ireland since the year of ninety- 
eight ; 
But if that nation had its own, her nob'.e sons might stay at 
home, 
But since fortune has it otherwise, poor Pat must emigrate. 

The devil a word I would say at all, although our wages are but 
small, 
If they left us in our cabins where our fathers drew their 
breath ; 
When they call upon rent-day and the devil a cent you have to 
pay, 
They will drive you from your house and home to beg and 
starve to death. 
What kind of treatment, boys, is that to give an honest Irish 
Pat? 
To drive his family to the road to beg and starve for meat! 
But 1 stood up with heart and hand and sold my little spot of 
land, 
That is the reason why I left and had to emigrate. 

Such si^hls .is that I've often seen, but 1 saw worse in Skib- 
b.u ceil 
In forty-eight, (that time is no more), when famine it was 
great; 
I saw fathers, boys and girls with rosy cheeks and silken curls, 

All a-missing and starving, for a mouthful of food to eat. 
When they died in Skibbareen, no shrouds or coffins were to be? 
seen. 
But patiently reconciling themselves to their desperate, horrid 
fate; 
They were thrown in graves by wholesale, which caused many 
an Irish heart to wail, 
And caused many a boy and girl to be most glad to emigrate. 

Where is the nation or the land that reared such men as Paddy's 
land ? 
Where is the man move noble than lie they call poor Irish Pat? 
We have fought for England's Queen, and beat her foes wherever 

si' Ml. 

We have taken the town of Delhi — if you please, come, tell me 
that ! 
We have pursued the Indian Chief, and Nana Sahib, that cursed 
thief, 
Who skivered babes and mothers, and left them in their gore: 
But why should we be- so oppressed in the land St. Pa 

blessed ? 
The land from which we have the best — poor Paddy must i 
grate. 

There is not a son from Paddy's land but respects the memory 
of Dan, 
Who fought and struggled hard to part that poor and plun- 
dered country : 
He advocated Ireland's rights with all his strength and might, 

And he was but poorly recompensed for all ] i- * ii] n I 1 pains. 
He told us for to be in no haste, and in him for to place our 
trust, ( 

And he would not desert us or leave us to our fate: 
Put death to him no favor showed, from the beggar to Die throne, 
Since they took our liberator, poor Pat must emigrate. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



107 



POOR PAT MUST EMIGRATE.— Continued. 

With spirits bright and purses light, my boys, we can no longer 
slay, 

For the shamrock is immediately bound for America; 
For there is bread and work, which I cannot get in Donegal, 

I told the truth, by great Saint Ruth, believe me what 1 say. 
Good night, my boys, with heart and hand, all you who take Ire- 
land's part, 

I can no longer stay at home, for hear of being too late; 
If ever again I see this land, I hope it will be with a Fenian band, 

So God be with old Ireland; poor Pat must emigrate. 



GOUGAUNE BARRA. 

There is a green island in lone Gougaune Barra, 
Where Allua of songs rushes forth as an arrow; 
In deep-valleyed Desmond — a thousand wild fountains 
Come down to that lake, from their home in the mountains. 
There grows the wild ash, and a time-stricken willow 
Looks ehidingly down on the mirth of the billow; 
.\s, like some gay child that sad monitor scorning, 
It lightly laughs back to the iaugh of the morning. 

And its zone of dark hills — oh, to ser> them bright'ning, 
When the tempest flings out its red banner of lightning, 
And the waters rush down, 'mid the thunder's deep rattle, 
Like clans from the hills at the voice of the battle; 
And brightly the fire-crested billows are gleaming, 
And wildly from Mullagh the eagles are screaming, 
Oh, where is the dwelling in valley, or highland, 
So meet for a bard as this lone little island? 

How oft when the summer sun rested on Clara, 

And lit the dark heath on the hills of Ivera, 

Have I sought thee, sweet spot, from my home by the ocean, 

And trod all thy w 7 ilds with a minstrel's devotion, 

And thought of thy bards, when assembling together, 

In the cleft of thy rocks, or the depths of thy heather, 

They fled from the Saxon's dark bondage and slaughter, 

And waked their last song by the rush of thy water! 

High sons of the lyre, oh, how proud was the feeling, 

To think while alone through that soliiuae stealing, 

Though loftier minstrels green Erin can number, 

I only awoke your wild harp from its slumber, 

And mingled once more with the voice of those fountains 

The songs even echo forgot on her mountains; 

And gleaned each gray legend, that darkly was sleeping 

Where the mist and the rain o'er their beauty were creeping. 

Least bard of the hills! were it mine to inherit 

The fire of thy harp, and the wing of thy spirit, 

With the wrongs which like thee to our country has bound me, 

Did your mantle of song fling its radiance around me, 

Still — still in those wilds might young liberty rally, 

And send her strong shout over mountain and valley; 

The star of the west might yet rise in its glory, 

And the land that was darkest be brightest in story. 

I, too, shall he gone — but my name shall be spoken 
When Erin awakes, and her fetters are broken; 
Some minstrel will come, i:i the summer eve's gleaming, 
When freedom's young light on his spirit is beaming, 
And bend o'er my grave with a tear of emotion, 
Where calm Avon-Buee seeks the kisses of ocean, 
Or plant a wild v, Ii. from the banks of thai 1 iver. 
O'er the heart, and the harp, that are weeping forever. 



MOLLY CAREW. 

Ocii hone! and what will I do? 

Sure my love is all eiost 

Like a bud in the frost, 

And there's no use at all in my going to bed; 

For 'tis dhrames and not sleep comes into my 

head : 

And 'tis all about you, 
My sweet Molly Carevv — 
And indeed 'tis a sin and a shame: 
You're complater than Nature 
In every feature, 
The snow can't compare 
With your forehead so fair, 
And I rather would see just one blink of your 

eye 
Than the purtiest star that shines out of the 
sky — 

And by this and by that, 
For the matter o' that. 
You're more distant by far than that 
same! 

Och hone ! wirrasthrue ! 
I'm alone in this world without you. 

Och hone! but why should I spake 
Of your forehead and eyes, 
When your nose it defies 
Paddy Blake, the schoolmaster, to put it in 

rhyme? 
Tho' there's one Burke, he says, that would 
call it snublime. 

And then for your cheek! 
Throth, 'twould take him a week 
Its beauties to tell as he'd rather. 
Then your lips! oh Machree! 

In their beautiful glow 
They a patthern might be 
For the cherries to grow. 
'Twas an apple that tempted our mother, we 

know — 
For apples were scarce, I suppose, long ago ,- 
But at this time o" day, 
'Pon my conscience, I'll say 
Such cherries might tempt a man's 
father ! 
Och hone! wirrasthrue! 
I'm alone in this world without you. 

Och hone! by the man in the moon, 
You laze me all ways 
That a woman can plaze, 
For you dance twice as high with that thief 

Pat Magee, 
As when you take share of a jig, dear, with 
me, 

Tho' the piper I bate, 
For fear the owld chate 
Wouldn't play you your tavorite tune; 
And when you're at mass 
My devotion you crass, 
For 'tis thinking of you 
I am, Molly Carcw ; 
While you wear, on purpose, a bonnet so deep, 
That I can't at your sweet purty face get a 

peep: 

Oh, lave off that bonnet, 

Or else I'll lave on it 
The loss of my wandherin' sowl! 

Och hone! wirrasthrue! 

Och hone! like an owl. 
Day is night, dear, to me, without you I 



108 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



HOLLY CAREW.— Co) tiinued. 

Och hone! don't provoke me to do it; 
For there's girls by the score 
That love me — and more; 
And you'd look very quare if sonic morning 

you'd meet 
My weddin' all marchin' in pride down the 

sthreel ; 

Throth, you'd open your eyes, 
And you'd die with surprise, 

To think 'twasn't you was come to it! 
And, faith, Katty Xaile, 
And her cow, I go bail, 
Would jump if I'd say 
" Katty Nailc, name the day." 
And tho* you're fair and fresh as a morning 

in May, 
While she's short and dark like a cowld win- 

ther's day. 

Yet if you don't repent 
Before Easther, when Lent 

Is over I'll marry for spite; 
Och hone! wirrasthrue! 
And when I die for you, 

My ghost will haunt you every night. 

BROSNA'S BANKS. 

Yes, yes, I idled many an hour — 

( O, would that I could idle now, 

In wooing back the wither'd flower 

Of health into my wasted brow!) 
But from my life's o'ershadowing close, 

My unimpassioned spirit ranks 
Among its happiest moments those 

1 idled on the Brosna's Banks. 

For there upon my boyhood broke 

The dreamy yoke of nature first; 
And every word (he vision s;>o'-e. 

How deeply has my spirit nursed! 
A woman's love, a lyre, or pen, 

A rescued land, a nation's thanks. 
A friendship with the world, and then 

A grave upon the Brosna's Banks. 

For these I sued, and sought, and strove, 

But now my youthful days are gone, 
In vain, in vain — for woman's love 

Is still a blessing to be won; 
And still my country's cheek is wet. 

The still unbroken fetter clanks, 
And I may not forsake her yet 

To die upon the Brosna's Banks. 

Yet idle as those visions seem, 

They were a strange and faithful guide, 
When Heaven itself had scarce a gleam 

To light my darken'd life beside; 
And if from grosser guilt escaped 

I fel no dying dread, the thanks 
Are due unto the power that shaped 

My visions on the Brosna's Banks. 

And love. 1 feel, will come at last, 

Albeil too late to comfort me: 
And letters from the land be cast. 

I bough I may not survive to see. 
It then the gifted, good, and brave 

Admit me to their glorious ranks. 
My memory may, tho' qo1 my grave. 

Be green upon the Brosna's P.;mks. 



THE SI HUE OF MAYNOOTH. 

Crom, Crom-aboo! The Geraldine rebels from proud Maynooth, 
And with him are leagued four hundred, the tlower of Leinster's 

youth. 
Take heart once more, oh, Krin! The great (iod gives thee 

hope : 
And thro' the mis', of Time and Woe thy true Lite's portals ope! 

Earl Thomas of the Silken Robes! — here doubtless burns thy 

soul ; 
Thou beamest here a Living Sun, around which thy planets roll. 
Then had our land, now scorned and banned, been saved a world 

of woe ! 
Oh! would the Eternal Powers above thai this were only so: 
No more — no more! — it maddeneth so! — But rampart, keep, and 

tower 

At least are still — long may they be — a part of Ireland's power! 
But — who looks 'mid his warriors from the walls, as gleams a 

pearl 
'Mid meaner stones? 'Tis Parez — foster-brother of the Earl. 

Enough! — we shall hear more of him! Amid the hundred shafts 
Which eampward towards the Saxon host the wind upbears and 

wafts. 
One strikes the earth at Talbot's feet, with somewhat white — a 

scroll- 
Impaled upon its barb — Oh! how exults the leader's soul! 

He grasps it — reads: "Now, by St. George, the day at last is 

ours ! 
Before to-morrow's sun arise we hold yon haughty towers! 
The craven traitor! — but, 'tis well! — he shall receive his hire, 
And somewhat more to boot, (Jod wot, than perchance lie may 

desire! " 

Alas! — alas! — 'tis all too true! A thousand marks of gold 

In Parez' hands, and Leinster's bands are baselv bought and 

sold ! 
Karl Thomas loses fair Maynooth and a hundred of his clan — 
But, worse! he loses half his hopes, for he loses trust in Man! 

The morn is up: the gates lie wide; the foe pour in amain. 
Oh! Parez, pride thee in thy plot, and hug thy golden chain! 
There are cries of rage from battlements, and mellays beneath 

in court, 
But Leinster's Brave, ere noon blaze high, shall mourn in donjon 

fort ! 

"Ho! Master Parez! thou?" So spake in the hall the Saxon 

chief — 
"How bast thou proved this tentless loon? But, come, we will 

stanch thy grief! 
Count these broad pieces over well! " He flung a purse on the 

ground. 
Which in wrathful silence Parez grasped, 'mid the gaze of all 

around. 

"So! — right?" "Yes, right, Sir John! Enough! I now de- 
part for home! " 

"Home! sayest-thou, Master Parez? Yes, and by my halidome. 

Mayest reach that sooner than thou dreamest. But before we 
part, 

I would a brief, blunt parle with thee. Nay, man, why dost thou 
start? " 

"A sudden spasm. Sir .John." — "Ay — ay! those sudden spasms 

will shock, 
As when, thou knowest, a traitor lays his head upon the block! " 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



109 



THE SIEGE OF MAYNOOTH.— Continued. 
"Sir John!*' — "Hush, man, and answer ine! Till then thou 

art in bale — 
Till then mine enemy and thrall! " The fallen chief turned pale. 

"Say. have I kept good faith with thee?" — "Thou hast — good 

faith and true ! 
"I owe thee nought, then?" "Nought, Sir John; the gold lies 

here to view." 
'"Thou art the Earl's own foster brother r " — " Yes, and bosom 

friend! " 
" What ? " — " Nay, Sir John, 1 need those pieces, and " 

■ — •" Come, there's an end! 

'•The Earl heaped favors on thee?" — "Never King heaped more 

on Lord ! " 
"lie hived thee'.' honored thee?'' — " 1 was his heart, his arm, 

his sword! " 
"Tie trusted thee?" — "Even as he trusted his own lofty soul! " 
"And XHOtj betrayest him? Base wretch! thou knowest the 

traitor's goal ! 

"Ho! Provost-Marshal, hither! Take this losel caitiff hence — 
1 mark, methinks, a scaffold under yonder stone defense. 
Off with his head! By Heaven, the blood within me boils and 

sect lies. 
To look on him! So vile a knave pollutes the air he breathes! " 

Twas but lour days thereafter, of a stormy evening late, 
When a horseman reared his charger in befoie the castle gate. 
And gazing upwards, he descried by the light of the pale moou 

shed, 
Impaled upon an iron stake, a well-known gory head! 

"So, Parez! thou hast met thy meed! " he said, and turned 

away — 
"And was it a foe that thus avenged me on that fatal day? 
Now, by my troth, albeit I hate the Saxon and his land, 
I could, methinks, for one brief moment press the Talbot's 

hand ! " 

EMMET'S FAREWELL TO HIS SWEETHEART. 

Farewell, love, farewell, love, I now must leave you, 
The pale moon is shining her last beam on me; 

In truth, I do declare 1 never deceived you, 

For it's next to my heart is dear Erin and thee. 

Draw near to my bosom, my first and fond true love, 
And cherish the heart that beats only for thee: 

And let my cold grave with green laurels be strewn, love, 
And cherish the heart that beats only for thee; 

Oh, never again in the moonlight we'll roam, love, 

When the birds are at rest and the stars they do shine; 

Oh, never again shall I kiss thy sweet lips, love, 

Or wander by streamlets with thy hands pressed in mine. 

Oh, should a mother's love make all others forsake me, 

Oh, give me a promise before that I die, 
That you'll come to my grave when all others forsake me, 

And there with the soft winds breath sigh [hen for sigh. 

My hour is approaching, let me take one fond look, love, 
And watch thy pure beauty till my soul does depart; 

Let thy ringlets fall on my face and brow, love, 

Draw near till I press thee to my fond and true heart. 

Farewell, love, farewell, love, the words are now spoken, 
The pale moon is shining her last beams on me: 

Farewell, love, farewell, love, I hear the death token, 
Never more in this world vour Emmet vou'll see. 



THE PRETTY GIRL OF L iCE DAN. 

Tin-: shades of eve had crossed the glen 

Chal frowns o'er infant Avonm 
When, nigh Loch Dan, two weary men,. 

We stopped before a cottage door. 
"God save all here,'' my comrade cries, 

And rattles on the raised latch pin; 
"Cod save you kindly," quick replies 

A clear sweet voice, and asks us in. 

We enter; from the wheel she starts, 

A rosy <i'iv\ with soft black eyes; 
Her fluttering court \v takes our hearts, 

Her blushing grace and pleased surprise. 
Poor Mary, she was quite alone, 

For, all the way to < Henmalui i . 
Her mother hid thai morning gone 

And left the house in charge with her. 

l'.iil neither household cares, nor yet 

The shame that startled virgins feel, 
Could make the generous girl forget 

Her wonted hospitable zeal. 
She brought us in a beechen bowl. 

Sweet milk, that smacked of mountain 
thyme, 
Oat cake, and such a yellow roll 

Of butter — it gilds all my rhyme! 

And while we ate the grateful food, 

(With weary limbs on bench reclined), 
Considerate and discreet, she stood 

Apart, and listened to the wind. 
Kind wishes both our souls engaged 

From breast to breast spontaneous ran 
The mutual thought— we stood and 
pledged, — 

The .modest rose above Loch Dan. 

" The milk we drink is not more pure, 

Sweet Mary — bless those budding charms! 
Than your own generous heart, I'm sure, 

Nor whiter than the breast it warms!" 
She turned and gazed, unused to hear 

Such language in that homely glen; 
But, Mary, you have nought to fear, 

Though smiled on by two stranger men. 

Not for a crown would I alarm 

Your virgin pride by word or sign; 
Nor need a painful blush disarm 

My friend of thoughts as pure as mine. 
Her simple heart could not but feel 

The words we spoke were free from guile ; 
She stooped, she blushed, she fixed her 
wheel. — 

'Tis all in vain — she can't but smile! 
Just like sweet April's dawn appears 

Her modest, face — I see it yet — 
And though I lived a bundled \ 

Methinks I never could forget 
The pleasure, that, despite her heart, 

Fills all her downcast eyes with light, 
The lips reluctantly apart, 

The white teeth struggling into sight ; 
The dimples eddying o'er her cheek — 

The rosy cheek that won't be still!— 
O! who could blame what flatterers speak, 
^ Did smiles like this reward their skill? 
For such another smile. I vow. 
^ Though loudly beats the midnight rain, 
I'd take the mountain-side e'en now, 

And walk to Luggelaw again! 



110 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



SHULE ATvOON. 

I would I were on yonder hill, 
'Tis there ['d sit and cry my fill, 
And every tear would turn a mill, 
Is go de tu mo murnin slan. 

< IHORUS. 

Sliule, shule, shule aroon, 

Shule go succir, agus shule go cuin, 

S iule go den durrua angus eligh glum, 

Is go de tu mo murnin 5 

I'll sell my rock, I'll sell my reel, 
l'a sell my only spinning wheel. 
To buy for my love a sword of steel, 
Is go de tu mo murnin slan. 

I'll dye my petticoats, I'll dye them red, 
And round the world I'll beg my bread, 
Until my parents shall wish me dead, 
Is go de 1 u mo murnin slan. 

I wish, I wish, I wish in vain, 
1 wish I had my heart again, 
An 1 vainly think I'd not complain, 
Is go de tu mo murnin slan. 

But now my love has gone to France, 
To try his fortune to advance. 
If he e'er come back 'tis but a chance, 
Is go de tu mo murnin slan. 

LOVE'S YOUNG DREAM. 

Oh ! the days are gone, when beauty bright 

My heart's chain wove; 
When my dream of life, from morn till night, 

Was love, still love! 

New hope may bloom, 

And days may come, 
Of milder, calmer beam, 
But there's nothing half so sweet in life 

As love's young dream ! 
Oh! there's nothing half so sweet in life 

As love's young dream! 

Tho' the bard to purer fame may soar, 

When wild youth's past; 
Tho' he win the wise, who frown'd before, 

To smile at last ; 

He'll never meet 

A joy so sweet 
As when first he sung to woman's ear 
In all his noon of fame, 

His soul-felt flame; 
nd, at every close, she blushed to hear 

The one loved name! 

Oh! that hallow'd form is ne'er forgot, 

Which First Love trae'd; 
Still it lingering haunts the greenest spot 

On Memory's waste! 

'Twas odor lied 

As soon as shed ; 
'Twas morning's winged dream! 
Twas a light, that ne'er can shine again 

On life's dull stream ! 
Oh! 'twas light, that ne'er can shine again 

On life's dull stream! 



THE DEAR EMERALD [SLE. 

Kind friends, will ye help a poor, weary stranger, 

Who's foot-sore and weary and hungry the while': 
I've nothing to give, but an orphan win bless you 

If you'll heip a poor boy irom the dear cm'rald isle. 
But a year ago, sure, I was smiling and happ] ; 

Not a care on my mind, and a heart free Irom. yuiie, 
In a dear little cabin at the foot of the mountain. 

That rears its proud head o'er the dear em'rald isle. 

My father and mother, God bless their dear mem'ry, 

Were contented and happy, although they were poor; 
The land it was bad, and they worked late and early 

To pay up the rent, with the wolf at the door. 
At length my poor father took ill of a fever, 

From toiling so hard on the bleak, barren soil; 
Although my pooi- mother was careful and tender, 

He died, and row lies 'neath the dear em'rald isle. 

Then the sheriff he came with a band of armed ruffians 

To turn out a child and a mother so graj : 
And deaf to all pleading they tore down our cabin — 

Like a flower he drooped and faded awa\ ; 
Then hunger and sorrow soon told on my mothi i ; 

Like a flower she dropped and failed awayj 
And with a last blessing, while her poor child caressing, 

She gave up her life and was laid 'neath the clay. 

Then thej laid my dear mother beside my poor father — 

I planted a shamrock just over their grav< ; 
While 1, a poor orphan, driven forth by misfortune, 

To leave that dear land, ami w> cross the wild v\ave; 
But, wherever I wander, I ever shall ponder 

And dream of the time when nature did - 
On my father and mother and dear loving brother 

And the old cabin home in the dear cm'rald isle. 

Then if ever the Father shall look down in pity, 

And cast off the yoke that does Ireland enslave, 
I'll hie me back then to the scenes of my childhood, 

And pluck a pure shamrock from my dear parents' grave. 
Don't say no more, boy, for I. too, am a daughter; 

And to think of her wrongs, oh, it makes my blood rile; 
And I pray that the time is not very far distant 

When the green shall wave proud o'er the dear em'rald isle. 

MCCARTHY'S MARE. 

We started for the fair, with spirits light and hearty, 
Behind McCarthy's mare, oh! it was a lively party! 
You never saw the likes of it, believe me what 1 say. 
Sure, we had a roaring racket, but the mare she ran away. 

Chobtjs. 

Off she vvint! off she wint! be gob, I was not worth a cint ; 
The sate was just as hard as Hint, behind McCarthy's mare. 

" Hould her in! " McCarthy cried, "Stop her! " says McCue, 
I tho't I'd shake to pieces, as along the road we flew; 
Me head was swimming like a top, my heart was in despair. 
The divil himself was in the wheels behind McCarthy's mare. 

McCarthy held the reins, and Murphy hold McCarthy. 
But whiskey filled their brains and made them wild and hearty 
Maloney tumbled out behind, and there we let him lay — 
Sure I offered to assist him — but the mare she ran away! 

Me dacent coat, was tore, me hat was left behind me, 
I rattled and 1 swore, and I thoUghl the dust would blind me 
In holes and ditches wint the wheels, oh. murther, what a day 
Sure, myself was kilt entirely, with the mare that run away. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



Ill 



DEAR OLD IRELAND. 

Deep in Canadian woods we've met, from one bright island 
flown ; 

Great is the land we tread, but yet our hearts are with our own. 

And ere we leave this shanty small, while fades the autumn day, 

We'll toast old Ireland! dear old Ireland! Ireland! boys, hur- 
rah! 

We've heard her faults a hundred times, the new ones and the 

old, 
In songs and sermons, rants and rhymes enlarged some fifty 

fold. 
But take them all, the great and small, and this we've got to 

Here's good old Ireland! lov'd old Ireland! Ireland! boys, hur- 
rah ! 

We know that brave and good men tried to snap her rusty chain, 

That patriots suffered, martyrs died, and all, 'tis said, in vain; 

But ?«>, boys, no! a glance will show how far they've won their 
way. 

Here's -ood old Ireland! lov'd old Ireland! Ireland! boys hur- 
rah! 

We've seen the wedding and the wake, the pattern and the fair; 

The stuff they take, the fun they make and the heads they break 
down there. 

With a loud hurroo, and a phillalo, and a thundering " clear the 
way," 

Here's gay old Ireland! dear old Ireland! Ireland! boys, hur- 
rah! 

And well we know, in the cool gray eves when the hard day's 

work is o'er 
How soft and sweet are the words that greet the friends who 

meet once more ; 
With " Mary Machree " and " My Pat Tis he," and " My own 

heart night and day! " 
Ah, fond old Ireland! dear old Ireland! Ireland! boys, hurrah! 

And happy and bright are the groups that pass for their peaceful 

homes for miles, 
O'er fields and roads and hills to mass, when Sunday morning 

smiles, 
And deep the zeal their true hearts feel, when low they kneel and 

pray ; 
Oh, dear old Ireland! blest old Ireland! Ireland! boys, hurrah! 

But deep in Canadian woods we've met, and never may see 
again 

The dear old isle where our hearts are set, and our first fond 
hopes remain ! 

But come, fill up another cup ; and with every sup let's say : 

Here's lov'd old Ireland! good old Ireland! Ireland! boys, hur- 
rah! 



THE IRISH STRANGER. 

Oh, pity the fate of a poor Irish stranger 
That's wandered thus far from his home ; 

I sigh for protection from want, woe and danger, 
But know not which way for to roam, 

I ne'er shall return to Hibernia's bowers. 

For bigotry hath trampled her sweetest of flowers, 

That gave comfort to me in my loneliest hours. 
They are gone and I'll ne'er see them more. 



THE RISING OF THE MOON. 

"■On, then tell me, Shawn O'Ferrall, 

Tell me why you hurry so?' 
'Hush, ma bouchal, hush and listen;' 

And his cheeks were all aglow. 
'I bar ordhera from the captain, 

Gel you ready quick and soon; 
For the pikes must be together 

At the risin' of the moon.' 

"'Oh, then tell me, Shawn O'Ferrall, 

Where the gatherin' is to be?' 
'In the ould spot by the river, 

Right well known to you and me. 
One word more — for signal token. 

Whistle up the maiihin' tune. 
With your pike upon your shoulder 

By the risin' of the moon.' 

" Out from many a mud-wall cabin 

Eyes were watching through that night, 
Many a manly chest was throbbing 

For the blessed warning liyht. 
Murmurs passed along the valli y, 

Like the banshee's lonely croon. 
And a thousand blades were flashing 

At the rising of the moon. 

'• There beside the singing river 

That dark mass of men was seen, 
Far above the shining weapons 

Hung their own beloved green. 
' Death to every foe and traitor, 

Forward, strike the marchin' tune, 
And hurrah, my boys, for Freedom! 

'Tis the risin' of the moon.' 

" Well they fought for poor old Ireland 

And full bitter was their fate. 
(Oh, what glorious pride and sorrow 

Fill the name of Ninety-eight! ) 
Yet, thank God, e'en still are beating 

Hearts in manhood's burning noon, 
Who would follow in their footsteps, 

At the risin' of the moon." 

RICH AND RARE WERE THE GEMS SHE 
WORE. 

Rich and rare were the gems she wore, 

And a bright gold ring on her wand she bor^: 

But, oh, her beauty was far beyond 

Her sparkling gems and snow-white wand. 

"Lady! dost thou not fear to stray, 

So lone and lovely, thro' this bleak way? 

Are Erin's sons so good or so cold 

As not to be tempted by woman or gold? 

" Sir Knight! I feel not the least alarm; 
No son of Erin will offer me harm; 
For, tho' they love woman and golden store, 
Sir Knight! they love honor and virtus 
more! " 

On she went, and her maiden smile 

In safety lighted her 'round the Green Isle; 

And bless'd forever is she who relied 

Upon Erin's honor and Erin's Pride! 



112 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE IRISH STRANGER.— Continued. 

With wonder I gazed on yon proud, lofty building', 

As in grandeur it rose from its lord, 
Willi sorrow I beheld mj own garden soon yielding 

Its choicest of fruits for its board. 
But where is my father's low cottage of clay. 
Wherein 1 did spend many a long happy day? 
Alas! has his lordship contrived ii away? ■ 

Yes, it's gone and I'll ne'er see it more. 

When nature was seen on the sole bush and bramble, 

Sit smiling in beautiful bio 

O'er the fields without danger i used to ramble, 

And lavish amidst her perfume, 
Or range thro' the woods where the gay-feather'd throng 
Did joyfully sing their loud-echoing song, 
The days then of summer passed swfiM alon . 

Now they are gone and I'll ne'er see them n 

When the sloes and the berries hung 1 ipe on the bushes. 

I've gathered them oft without harm, 
And gone to the fields where I've shorn the green rushes, 

Preparing for winter's cold storm. 
Or I've sat by the fire on a cold winter's night, 
Along with my friends telling tales of delight. 
Those tales gave me pleasure, I could them invite, 

Now they are gone, shall I ne'er see them more? 

But, Erin, sad Erin, it grieves me to ponder 

On the wrongs of thy injured isle; 
Thy sons, many thousands, deploring, to wander 

On shores far away in exile. 
But give me the power to cross o'er the main, 
America might yield me some shelter from pain, 
I'm only lamenting whilst here I remain 

For the joys that I'll never see more. 

Farewell then to Erin and those I left weeping 

Upon her disconsolate shore, 
Farewell to the crave where my father lies sleeping, 

That ground 1 still dearly adore. 
Farewell to each pleasure, 1 once had at home, 
Farewell, now a stranger in England I roam; 
Oh, give me my past joys, or give me a tomb, 

Yes, in pity I ask for no more. 

KATE O'BRIEN. 

Perhaps you don't know there's a sweet little stream 

Far down in a dell where a poet might dream; 

A nate little cabin stands close to the tide, 

And, och, such a jewel is shining inside. 

I don't mean a jewel that money can buy, 

But a warm-hearted creature with love in her eye; 

You'll not find a beauty so beauteous as she 

From Ballinacrasy to Donaghadee. 

Her name is O'Brien, they christened her Kale. 
There's many a beauty has shared the same fate; 
But never a one, to my thinking. I've seen 
So lovely, so trim, as my bright -eyed colleen. 
Her face is a picture for limners to paint, 
Her figure might serve for a heart-winning saint: 
Oh, you'll not find a beauty so beauteous as she 
From Ballinacrasy to Donaghadee. 

Her hair is as smooth as the raven's own back. 

But, the bonniest bird has not tresses so black: 

And they curl 'round a neck that might rival the snow, 

With the grace of a swan on the waters below. 

Her mouth — oh, what music I've heard from that same, 

Her breath it might put the sweet roses to shame; 

Oh. you'll not find a beauty so beauteous as she 

From Ballinacrasy to Donaghadee. 



THE LOVER'S COMPLAINT. 

0! DO.x't be beguilin' my heart with your 
wilin'. 
You've tried that same thrick far too often 
before, 
And by this blessed minnit an' day that is in 
it, 
I'll take righl ^ooj . bl you'll try ;< 

no more! 
You thought that so slyly you walked \\ ; I 
O'Reilly, 
By man and !>.. mortal unheard and unseen, 
While your hand he kept squeezin', and. 
looked so ph ■ 
Last Saturday night in your father's bo,- 

His thricl - and his sehamin has set you a- 
dhramin'; 
1 any one blessed with their eyesight 

You'] same erature you once war by 

nature, 
And they that are thraitors won't do, faith, 
for me ! 
Tho' it is most distressin' to think that a 
blessin' 
Was just about fallin' down plump on the 
scene, 
When a cunning culloger, as black as an ogre, 
Upsets all your hopes in a dirty bar 

And 'tis most ungrateful, unkind, and unfaith- 
ful, 
When you very well know how I gave the 
go-by, 
Both to pride and to pleasure, temptation and 
treasure, 
To dress all my looks by the light of your 
eye. 
0! 'tis Mary Mullally, that lives in the val- 
ley— 
'Tis she that would say ho v ill-used I have 
been, 
And she's no: the deludher to smile and to 
soother, 
And then walk away to her father's borcni. 
I send you your garter, for now I'm a martyr. 
And keepsakes and jims are the least of 
care, 
So when things are exchanging since you took 
to rangin' 
I'll trouble you. too, for the lock of my hair 
I know b\ its shakin", my heart is a-breakin', 
You'll make me a corpse when I'd make you 
a queen, 
But as Mire as I'm livin", it's you I'll be giviu' 
1 terriblt fright, when I haunt the ban 

Till! DEAR LITTLE SHAMROCK. 

There's a dear little plant thai grows on our 
isle, 
Twas St. Patrick himself sure that set it: 
And the sun on his labor with pleasure did 
smile. 
And with dew from his eye often wet it. 
It shines thro' the bog, thro' the brake and tho 
mireland, 
And he called it the dear little shar:roik 
of Ireland ; 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



113 



THE DEAR LITTLE SHAMROCK.— Continued. 
The dear little shamrock, the sweet little sham- 
rock, 
The dear little, sweet little shamrock of 
Ireland. 

That dear little plant still grows in our land, 
Fresh and fair as the daughters of Erin; 
Whose smile can bewitch, and whose eyes can 
command. 
In each climate they ever appear in. 
For they shine thro' the bog, thro' the brake 
and the mireland, 
Just like their own dear little shamrock of 
Ireland. 
The dear little shamrock, the sweet little sham- 
rock. 
The dear little, sweet little shamrock of 
Ireland. 

That dear little plant that springs from our 
soil. 
When its three little leaves are extended, 
Denotes from the stalk we together should 
toil, 
And ourselves by ourselves be befriended. 
And still thro' the bog, thro' the brake and the 
mireland, 
From one root should branch, like the sham- 
rock of Ireland ; 
The dear little shamrock, the sweet little sham- 
rock of Ireland ; 
The dear little, sweet little shamrock of Ire- 
land. 

OLD IRELAND I ADORE. 

Oh, Erin's Isle, my heart's delight, 

I long to see thee free, 
Where'er I am by day or night 

My heart beats warm for thee. 
I grieve to see thee so oppressed, 

But what can I do more? 
Oh, Grama Machree, I weep for thee — 

Old Ireland I adore. 

Your scenes surpass all on earth, 

They are so rich and rare; 
Your sons are of the noblest birth, 

Few with them can compare. 
Oppres-cd and starved they were compelled 

To wander from your shore ; 
Old Grama Machree, I weep for thee — 

Old Ireland I adore. 

I'd like to know what hast, you done 

That still you can't be free? 
But this I know, you had a son 

Who struggled hard for thee. 
O'Connell was that hero's name — 

Tie was known from shore to shore; 
Oh, Grama Machree, he'd have set you free, 

But, alas! he is no more. 

If you were free as once we were, 

How happy would we be! 
No foreign landlord then would dare 

To lord it over thee. 
We'd have our homes and bread to eat, 

As once we had before ; 
Oh, Grama Machree, I long to see 

Old Ireland free once more. 



PRETTY MARY, THE DAIR1 MAN S DAI OUTER. 

Faix it's I'll sing you a ditty t hat's funnj and witty, 

Yet it wakens the pity of every one; 
It's in vain ye'll be thryin' to prevint yeersels eryin', 
An' yer eyes ye'll be dhryin' whin my song is done. 
'Twas in swate Tipperary there stud a uate dairy, 

Wid the name of Ned Carey wrute over the door; 
And sure Ned sould good butter, so it said on the shutter, 
And beautiful googeens a shilling a score. 

An' he had a fine daughter call'd Mary, 

The pride iv her dad an' his dairy ; 
Och! she was his delight an' the pearl iv his sight. 
An' as frisky an' blithe as a fairy. 

Poor old Ned loved his daughter, for an angel he thought her, 

An' fine clothes he bought her to make her look gay; 
An' she was a sweet creature, so full of good nature, 
An' as fair in ach fathure as the blossom o' May- 
She was always intrudhin 5 and niver a fude in, 
So ye'll be kincludin' she'd iv lovers her share; 
There was tradesmin an' doctors an' lawyers and proctors, 
Came no ind of miles from the uivil knows where, 
Just to {jet a smile from ?weet Mary, 

The pride iv her dad an' his dairy; 
Och ! she was his delight an' the pearl iv his sight, 
An' as frisky an' blithe as a fairy. 

But so plaze you sweet Mary loved one, Paddy Rarey, 

Who could dance like a fairy an' twirl his stick; 
Tho' his birth was a misthry, could trace his ancistry, 

Thro' the pages iv histhry to Amonachnic. 
But Mary's ould daddy didn't care for young Paddy, 

For no money had he sure a wife to support; 
An' a silky ould waver, a well-to-do shaver, 
Crept into Ned's favor his daughter to court, 

An' was promised the hand iv sweet Mary, 

The pride iv her dad an' his dairy; 
Och ! she was his delight an' the pearl iv his sight, 
An' as frisky an' blithe as a fairy\ 

Mary's lovers got jealous an' oft they did bellus, 

Sayin' before they'll expel us we'll all take the sack; 
One wint home to his garden, an' (cravin' yer pardon), 

He dug up the devil an' shoveled him back. 
An' some shouldered arums an' others sung pearms, 

An' many tried charums till their houses they burn'd, 
An' the papers related iv deaths contemplated, 
Thro' love it shtated, which wasn't returned, 
By the beautiful heart-killin' Mary, 

The pride iv her dad an' his dairy; 
Och! she was his delight an' the pearl iv his sight, 
An' as frisky an' blithe as a fairy. 

So one day to her father, sez Mary, I'd rather 

Be single for life, than that life shud be ruled 
By a crawlin' ould waver, an' I'll not have the eraver 

If the hair iv his head hung with diamonds an' gold. 
Sez her father, Daunt raise me, for the divil may saise me, 

If ye iver have Pat, I'd as lave see yer dead ; 
Thin he turn'd like a wild boor, an' bullied his child sure. 
Till she fell on the tiled flure, her senses most fled. 
An' yer wouldn't give that for poor Mary, 

The pride iv her dad an' his dairy; 
Och! she was his delight an' the pearl iv his sight, 
An' as frisky an' blithe as a fairy. 

But at last she got betthur an' wraut Pat a letthur, 
Telling him to forget her an' bid him good-by! 

Thin she gave a great shiver, flue away to the river, 
Axed God to forgive her, an' prepared for to die! 



114 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



PRETTY U&RY.— Continued. 

Cum away from the water, shouted Ned to his daughter, 

An' you shall wed Pat an' have all yer dad's tin; 
But it wasn't so aisy, for the >jn>t bein' greazy, 
An' her mind bein' crazy, she slipped and fell in. 
An' all down to the bottom went .Mary, 

In sight of her dad an' his dairy; 
Oeh! she was Ins delight an' the pearl iv his sight, 
An' as frisky an' blithe as a fairy. 

An' Mary's poor lover did never recover, 

An' his antics an' tanthruma 'twas horrid to see; 
Till he tuk off his garther, some forty years afther 

An' hoong himself up to a mulberry tree! 
An' sure ould Ned Cnvy tallied Pal an' Mary, 

An' they haunted the dairy an' kicked up a* great din; 
An' such shriek in' an' laughter, from foundation to rafther, 
Was heard for years afther till the house it fell in! 
An' that was the ind o' poor Mary, 

Her Paddy, her dad, an' the dairy; 
An' from that same night I've never seen sight 
Iv the home iv the beautiful fai 

THE WOODS OF KYLINOE. 

Mr heart is heavy in my breast — my eyes are full of tears, 
My memory is wandering back to long departed years — 
To those bright days long, long a o, 

When nought I dreamed of sordid care, of worldly woe — 
But roved, a gay, light-hearted boy, the woods of' Kylinoe. 

There, in the springtime of my life, aand springtime of the 

year, 
I've watched the snowdrop start from earth, the first young 

buds appear ; 
The sparkling stream o'er pebbles flow, 
The modest violet, and the golden primrose blow. 
Within thy deep and mossy dells, beloved Kylinoe! 

'Twas there I wooed my Mary Dhuv, and won her for my bride, 
Who bore me three fair daughters, and four sons, my age's 

pride ; 
Though cruel fortune was our foe, 
And steeped us to the lips in bitter want and woe, 
Yet cling our hearts to those sad days, we passed near Kylinoe! 

At length by misery bowed to earth, we left our native strand — 

And crossed the wide Atlantic to this free and happy land; 

Though toils we had to undergo, 

Yet soon content — and happy peace 'twas ours to know, 

And plenty, such as never blessed our hearth near Kylinoe! 

And heaven a blessing has bestowed, more precious far than 

wealth, 
Has spared us to each other, full of years, yet strong in health: 
Across the threshold when we go, 
We see our children's children round us grow, 
Like sapling oaks within thy woods, far distant Kylinoe. 

Yet sadness clouds our hearts to think that when we are no 

more, 
Out bones must find a resting place, far, far from Erin's shore, 
For us— no funeral sad and slow — 
Within the ancient abbey's burial ground shall go — 
No, we must slumber far from home, far, far from Kylinoe! 

Yet, O! if spirits e'er can leave the appointed place of rest, 

Once more will 1 revisit thee, dear Isle that I love best, 

O'er thy green vales will hover slow, 

And many a tearful parting blessing will bestow 

On all — but most of all on thee, my native Kylinoe! 



OULD DOCTHER MACK. 

You may tramp the world over 
From Delhi to Dover, 
And sail the salt say from Archangel to Arra- 
gon, 

Circumvint back 
Through the whole Zodi.uk. 
But to ould Docther Mack ye cant furnish a 
paragon. 

Have ye the dropsy. 
The gout, the autopsy? 
Fresh livers and limbs instantaneous he'll 
shape yez; 

Xo ways infarior 
In skill, but supaTior, 
And lineal postarior of Ould A; sculapioua. 

He and his wig wid the curls so carroty, 
Aiglo eye and complexion ciai 
ll.rc- 10 his health. 
Honor and wealth. 
The king of his kind and the crame of 
all charity 1 

How the rich and the poor, 

To consult for a cure. 
Crowd on to his doore in their carts and their 
carriages, 

Showin' their tongues 

Or unlacin' their lungs, 
For divel one symptom the docther dispar- 
ages, 

Troth, and he'll tumble 

For high or humble, 
From his warm feather-bed wid no cross con- 
trariety; 

Makin' as light 

Of nursin' all night 
The beggar in rags as the belle of society. 

And as if by meracle, 
Ailments hysterical, 
Dad, wid one dose of bread-pills he can 
smother. 

And quench the love-sickness 
Wid wonderful quickness, 
By prescribin' the right boys and girls to aich 
other. 

And the sufTerin' childer— 
Your eyes 'twould bewilder 
To see the wee craythurs his coat-tails un- 
ravel in'; 

And aich of them fast 
On some treasure at last, 
Well knowin' ould Mack's just a toy-shop out 
travelin'. 

Then, his doctherin' done, 

In a rollick in' run 
Wid the rod or the gun, he's the foremost to 
figure. 

By Jupiter Ammon, 

What Jack-snipe or salmon 
E er rose to backgammon his tail-fly or trigger! 

And hark! the view-hollo! 

Tis Mack in full follow 
On black Faugh-a ballagh the country-side 
sailin . 

<'ch, but you'd think 

Twas ould Nimrod in pink. 
Wid his spurs ciyin' chink over park wall and 
palin'. 






SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



115 



OULD DOCTOR MACK.— Continued. 
He and his wig, wid the curls so carroty, 
Aigle eye and complexion elarety ; 
Here's to his health, 
Honor and wealth! 
Hip, hip, hooray! wid all hilarity, 
Hip, hip, hooray! that' the way, 
All at once, without disparity! 
One more cheer 
For our docther dear, 
The king of his kind and the erame of 
all charity. 
Hip, hip, Hooray! 

LARRY McHALE. 

Oh, Larry McIIale, he had little to fear, 

And never could want, when the crops didn't 
fail; 
He'd a house and demesne, and eight hundred 
a year, 
And a heart for to spend it had Larry Mc- 
Hale. 

The soul of a party, the life of a feast, 

And an ilegant song he could sing I'll be 
bail; 
He would ride with the rector and drink with 
the priest, 
Oh, the broth of a boy was old Larry Mc- 
Hale! 

It's little he cared for the judge or recorder, 
His house was as big and as strong as a 
jail ; 
With a cruel four-pounder he kept all in great 
order ; 
He'd murder the country, would Larry Mc- 
Hale. 

He'd a blunderbuss, too, of horse-pistols a pair ; 

But his favorite weapon was always a flail ; 
I wish you could see how he'd empty a fair, 

For he handled it nately did Larry McHale. 

His ancestors were kings before Moses was 
born, 
His mother descended from the great Granna 
Uaile; 
He laughed all the Blakes and the Frenches 
to scorn, 
They were mushrooms compared to old Larry 
McHale. 

He sat down every day to a beautiful dinner, 
With cousins and uncles enough for a tail ; 
And, though loaded with debt, oh, the devil a 
thinner 
Could law or the sheriff make Larry Mc- 
Hale! 

With a larder supplied and a cellar well 
stored, 
None lived half so well from Fair Head to 
Kinsale, 
And he piously said, " I've a plentiful board, 
And the Lord He is good to old Larry Mc- 
Hale." 

So fill up your glass and a high bumper give 
him, 

It's little we'd care for tithes or repale; 
Ould Frin would be a fine country to live in, 

If we only had plenty like Larry McHale. 



S\V E ET I N N I S FALLEN . 

Sweet Innisfallen, fare thee well, 

May calm and sunshine long be thine! 

How fair thou art let others tell, — 
To feel how fair shall long be mine. 

Sweet Innisfallen, long shall dwell 
In memory's dream that sunny smile, 

Which o'er thee on that evening fell, 
When first I saw thy fairy isle. 

'Twas light, indeed, too blest for one, 
Who had to turn to paths of care — 

Through crowded haunts again to run, 
And leave thee bright and silent there. 

No more unto thy shores to come. 

But on the world's rude ocean tost, 
Dream of thee sometimes, as a home 

Of sunshine he had seen and lost. 

Far better in thy weeping hours 

To part from thee, as I do now, 
When mist is o'er thy blooming bowers, 

Like sorrow's veil on beauty's brow. 

For, though unrival'd still thy grace, 
Thou dost not look, as then, too blest, 

But thus in shadow, seen'st a place 

Where erring man might hope to rest — 

Might hope to rest, and find in thee 

A gloom like Eden's, on the day 
He left its shade, when every tree, 

Like thine, hung weeping o'er his way. 

Weeping or smiling, lovely isle! 

And all the lovelier for thy tears — 
For though but rare thy sunny smile, 

'Tis heaven's own glance when it appears. 

Like feeling hearts, whose joys are few, 
But, when indeed they come, divine — 

The brightest light the sun e'er threw 
Is lifeless to one gleam of thine! 

THE WATERFORD BOYS. 

Well, boys! for divarsion we've all met together, 

I'll tell how from Waterford hither I came; 
I cross'd the big ocean in dark, gloomy weather, 

My heart it was light and my pocket the same. 
Sad at l'avin' ould Ireland, but once more on dry land, 

By the roadside a tavern I happen'd to spy; 
And as I was meltin', my pockets I felt in 

The price of a drink — I was mortally dry. 

Chorus. 

For we are the boys of fun, wit and element, 
Drinkin' and dancin' an' all other joys; 

For ructions, destruction, devarsion and divilment, 
Who can compare with the Waterford boys? 

In the tavern I stroll'd, out the master he roll'd, 

" Morrow," sez he, sez I, " Av you please, 
Provide me a bed, but first bring me some bread, 

A bottle of porter and a small piece of cheese. 
For times they are queer, and provisions are dear, 

If you cannot get meat, with cheese be content." 
Sez the landlord. "You're right," so he bro't me the bite;' 

I roll'd up my cuffs and at it I went. 



116 



SONUS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE WATERFORD BOYS.— Continued. 

My bread and cheese ended, 1 then condescended 

To seek some repose, so l ax'd for a light, 
And soon in a doze I was under the clothes; 

I popp'd in my toes and I popp'd out the light. 
But wakin' from sleepin' I heard somethin creepin', 

Meand'rin' and wand'rin' about my bedpost; 
Squeakin' and scratchin', thinks i 'mid my watchin', 

" 'Pon my conscience, you've mighty long claws for 



ghost.' 



My breath I suspended, the noise it soon ended, 

1 ventured to peep fro fch the bedclothes; 

'• .Mi Ilia murtha! what's that? ' a thumpin' jack rat, 

With a leap from the floor, lit atop of my nose. 
"Thundei ye! " sez 1. "for a schemin' ould vagabone, 

Take that, and that," as I l( iped on the iloor, 
Shouting, " Murther and fire, Tim, Jerry, Maria, 

The rats they are eatin' me up by the >core." 



The landlord affrighten' came with a lighl in. 

"I'm murdered alive, 1 sez 1, "so must away." 
Sez he, " Before goin', I'd have you be knowin', 

For supper and bed you've lin's to pay." 

'"Five shillin's for what V och, don't be disgracin' 

Yourself for a rogue," sez 1, "if you please; 
When i can'1 sleep for rats, you, a brazen ould face on ye, 

To charge me five shillin's for plain bread and cheese." 



Sez he, •• Perish the rats, I wish they would l'ave me, 

They ruin m\ trade and I'm not worth a rap." 
Sez I, " The live shillin's would you forgive me, 

An' I'll tell you how to keep out every rat." 
"Agreed! " Tien sez I, "To supper invite them, 

And plain bread and cheese sel before them, be sure; 
Don't mind if they're willin', but charge them five shillin', 

Bad luck to the rat that you'll ever see more." 



PAT MALLOY. 

At sixteen years of age 1 was my mother's fair-naired boy, 

She kept a little huckster shop, her name it was Malloy; 

"I've fourteen children, Pat," says >he, "which heaven to me 

has sent . 
But children ain't like pigs, you know — they can't pay the rent ! " 
She gave me every shilling there was in the till, 
And kissed me fifty times or more, as if she'd never get her fill: 
" Oh, heaven bless you, Pat," said she, " and don't forget, my 

boy, 
That ould Ireland is your country, and your name is Pat Mal- 

loy ! " 

Oh, England is a purty place, of gold there is no lack — 

I trudged from York to London, wid me scythe upon me back; 

The English girls are beautiful, their loves I don't decline, 

The eating and the drinking, too, are beautiful and line; 

But in a corner of me heart, which nobody can see, 

Two eyes of Irish blue are always peeping out at me! 

Oh. Molly, darlin', never fear, I'm still your own dear boy — 

Ould Ireland is me country, and me name is Pat Malloy. 

From Ireland to America across the seas I roam, 

And every shilling that 1 got, ah, sure I sent it home: 

Me mother couldn't write, but, oh, there came from Father Boyce: 

"Oh, heaven bless you, Pat," says she — I hear me mother's voice! 

But now I'm going home again, as poor as I begun, 

To make a happy girl of Moll, and, sure, I think T can: 

Me pockets they are empty, but me heart is filled with joy, 

For ould Ireland is me country, and me name is Pat Malloy. 



COLLEEN . 'IN AMOE. 

Tin: beam on the streamlet was playing, 

The dew-drop still hung on the thorn, 
When a blooming young couple were straying, 

To taste thi mild fragrance of morn. 
lie sighed as he breathed forth his ditty, 

And she felt her breast softly to grow; 
"Oh, look on your lover with pity, 

Ma Colleen dhas Cruthin Amoe. 



"Whilst green i> y>u bank's mossy pillow, 

Or evening shall weep the soft tear. 
Or the streamlet shall steal 'neath the willow, 

mg shall thy image be dear. 
Oh, fly ;n ihese arms for protection 
If pi the arrow of woe, 

my tender affection. 
Ma Colleen • il bin Amoe." 



She sighed as his ditty was ended, 

Her hea i i was too full to reply ; 
Oh, joy and compassion were blended 

To light the mild beam of her eye. 
He kissed her soft hand: -'What above thee 

Could heaven, in its bounty, bestow?" 
He kis^ed her soft cheek : " Oh, I love thee, 

Ma Colleen dhas Cruthin Amoe."' 



HOW ERIN WAS BORN. 

With your kind attention, your good conde- 
cension, 
I'll make bold to mention of Erin so • 
Without hesitation, I'll tell how this nation 
Became of creation the gem of the Queen. 
It happened on,, morning, without any warn- 
ing. 
That Vanus was born in that beautiful sav: 
And by that same token — och! sure 'twas pro- 
vokin', 
Her pinions were soaking and wouldn't give 
play. 



Chorus. 

Tli is story was told, boys, by sages of old, 

boys ; 
Who thus did unfold, boys, how Erin was 

born. 



Now, Neptune, who knew her, began to pursue 
her. 
In order to woo her — the wicked old Jew; 
And very nigh caught her atop of the water, 
Great Jupiter's daughter, who cried. 
" Wishastro! " 
When Jove, the great janious, looked down 
and saw Vanus, 
And Neptune, so " banious," pursuing her 
wild : 
He roared out like thunder, he'd tear him 
asunder — 
And sure twas no wonder, for tazing his 

child — Chorus, 
A star tlun espying, close 'round by him lying, 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



117 



HOW ERIN WAS BORN.— Cmtiuued. 
He soon sent it flying — he hurled it below; 
Where it fell like winking, old Neptune then 
sinking, 
With what 1 am thinking, was a mighty big 
blow. 
That same star was dry land, 'twas lowland 
and highland, 
And formed that sweet island, the land of 
my birth ; 
And makes true the story that sent down from 
glory 
Old Erin so hoary, is a heaven upon earth. — 
Chorus. 

Now Vanus slept nately, on Erin so stately, 
But fainted 'cause lately so bothered and 
pressed ; 
Which much did bewilder, ana very nigh killed 
her, 
When her father distilled her a drop of the 
best. 
This potheen victorious made her feel glorious, 

A little uproarious, I feel it might prove ; 
Then how can ye blame us that Erin's so 
famous 
For whisky and fighting, for beauty and 
love. — Chorus. 



WINNIE'S WELCOME. 

Well, Shamus, what brought ye? 
It's dead, sure, I thought ye — 

What's kept ye this fortnight from calling 
on me? 
Stop there! Don't be lyin' ; 
It's no use denyin' — 

I know you*ve been waitin' on Kitty Magee. 

She's ould and she's homely: 
There's girls young and comely 

Who've loved you much longer and better 
than she; 
But, 'deed I'm not carin'. 
I'm glad I've no share in 

The love of a boy who loved Kitty Magee. 

Away! I'm not cryin', 
Your charge I'm denyin', 

You're wrong to attribute such wakeness to 
me; 
If tears I am showin', 
I'd have ye be knowin' 

They're shed out of pity for Kitty Magee. 

What's that? Am I dhramin'? 
You've only been shammin'? 

Just thryin' to test the affection in me; 
But you're the sly divil! 
There now ! Please be civil ; 

Don't hug me to death! I'm not Kitty Ma- 
gee. 

Y'our kisses confuse me; 
Well, I'll not refuse ye — 

I know you'll be tindher and loving wid me; 
So show my conthrition 
For doubts and suspicion, 

I'll ax for first bridesmaid Miss Kitty Ma- 
gee. 



PAT ROACH AT THE PLAY. 

As Pat Roach and the missus, from Galway, 

In Dublin once happened to be, 
To the playhouse they went one line evening, 

Determined diversion to see. 
But, says Pat as he entered, "There's no one 

To paj - money to, here, at all; " 
"Pay here! " cried a voice. "Holy murther! " 

Says Pat, " there's a man in the wall." 
"Pay here! " cried a voice. "Holy murther!" 

Says Pat, " there's a man in the wall." 

The missus she looks all around her, 

In wonder her eyes they did roll, 
But says she, " Paddy darling, alanna, 

He is here like a rat in a hole." 
"Pay here." "How much is it?" "A shilling." 

"A shilling apiece, that won't do; 
'Tis too much, "Six. Pay here, avourneen, 

Eighteen pince 1 will give you for two: 
'Tis too much, Mr. Pay here, avourneen, 

Eighteen pince I will give you for two." 

Pat grumbled, but paid and got seated, 

The band was beginning to play, 
He jigged on his seal qxiite elated, 

And to the musicians did say: 
" 'Tis yerselves that can do it, me bouchals, 

And I wish to yez wid all me mind." 
To the tiddlers, " More power to your elbows, 

Mister Bugler, heav'n spare ye yer wind." 
To the fiddlers, " More power to your elbows, 

Mister Bugler, heav'n spare ye yer wind." 

The play then went on and Pat wondered, 

And sat with his mouth open wide, 
As the proud haughty Lord of the Manor 

Sought to make the fair maiden his bride. 
"To the mountains," says he, "I will bear thee." 

She shrieked as she saw him approach : 
"Is there no one at hand now to save inc.' 

Shouts a voice: "Yes, me darlin', Pat Roach." 

Then up on the seat jumped brave Paddy, 

Says he: "Now, you blackguard, be gone, 
Or a lord though you be tin times over, 

I'll knock your two eyes into one." 
"Sit down there in front! " " What, you spalpeen, 

Is it me you thus dare to address! 
Do you think that Pat Roach would sit aisy, 

And see that poor girl in distress?" 

But soon sure the row did nubside. 
And as Pat gasped for breath he discovered, 

Of the door he was on the wrong side; 
He soon found the missus, next morning 

They started for home, and Pat swore 
If he once safely landed in Galway, 

He'd come up to Dublin no more. 

THE VOLUNTEERS. 

" Mother — dear mother, tell me what meant the proud array 
Of armed men and prancing steeds which passed yon mountain 

way? 
And who was he of noble mien and brow of lordly pride, 
Who rode, like warrior chief of old, that gallant band beside? 

" Marked you how lighted up his eye, as in the noonday sun 
Their silken banners iiutter'd wide and flash'd each polish'd gun, 
And how with gentle courtesy he oft and lowly bowed, 
As rang the brazen trumpets out, and cheer'd th' assembled 
crowd ? 



118 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE VOLUNTEERS,— Cotin 

"Methinks the Spartan chief who fell at famed Thermopylae, 
Of whom we read but yesternight, was Buch a man as he — 
The same proud port and eagle eye— the same determined frown, 

frown, 
And supple arm to shield a friend or strike a foeman down. 

••And then those troops as on they passed, n proud and glit- 

tering show, 
Seemed worthy of the chief who led— 'twere pity of the foe 
Who roused to wrath their slumbering might, or wronged our 

own green land — (J 

I'd promise them a scattered host with many a shivered brand. 

"You're right, dear Mabel, for the chief who leads that warrior 

host 
Is Grattan— high and honored name — thy countrj s proudest 

boast; 
And they whose closely marshalled ranks the people hailed with 

cheers, 
Thy country's soldier-citizens— the gallant Volunteers. 

'•Then why, dear mother — tell me why those Volunteers arose? 
Was it to guard some sacred right, or to repel our foes? 
For I have heard my father say he dreaded England's word 
And English perfidy far more than foreign Eoeman's sword." 

"They rose to guard from foreign foes — as well from British 

guile — 
Thy liberties and mine, my child, and all within this Isle; 
To make this glorious land of ours — those hills we love so well, 
A fitting home and resting place where freedom's foot might 

dwell. 

" They rose and swore by Freedom's name, by kindred and by 

kind, 
No foreign rule, no foreign guile, their country's limbs should 

bind — 
That she should stand erect and fair, as in the olden time, 
The loveliest 'mong the nations — of Ocean's Isles the prime. 

"That thev have nobly kept this pledge, bear witness, one and 

all, 
The bootless plots of England, the baffled hosts of Gaul. 
That they may long be spared to guard our country's rights 

divine, 
.Should be your prayer at night and morn, my child, as it is 

mine." 



BEAUTIFUL SHAMROCK OF OLD IRELAND. 

There's a sweet little spol away down by Cape Clear, 
Sure it's Ireland herself, to all Irishmen dear; 
Where the white praties blossom like illigant flowers, 
And the wild birds sing sweetly above the round towers; 
And the dear litl rock, that none can withstand, 

Is the beautiful emblem of old Ireland. 

In his hat good St. Patrick used always to wear 
The shamrock whenever he wen! to a fair; 
And Nebuchadnezzar, no doubt, highly prized 
A bit of the blossom when he went disguised; 
For the bosom of beauty itself might exj 
When bedecked by the Bhamrock 01 old Ireland. 

When far, fai a sweet blossom Fee seen, 

I've dream! of shillelahs and Bhamrocks so green, 
That grow, like two twins, on the bogs and the hills. 
With a drop in my eye, thai with joy my heart fills; 
And I've blessed tin- dear sod From a far distant strand, 
And the beautiful shamrock of old Ireland. 



i.ANTY LEARY. 

Lanty was in love, you see, 

With lovely, lively Rosie Carey, 
But her father can't agree 

To give the girl to Lanty Leary. 
" Lp to fun, away we'll run,"' 

Says she, " my father's so conthrairy, 
Won't you follow me? won't you follow me!" 

•'Faith I will,'' sa\s Lantj Leary. 

But her father died one day 

(I hear 'twas not by dhrinkin' wather) ; 
House and land and cash, they say, 

He left by will to K> se hi- daughter; 
House and land and cash to seize, 

Away she cut so light and airy. 
•'Went you follow me? won't you follow 
me '.' 

"Faith I will." says Lanty Leary. 

Rose, herself, was taken bad, 

The fayver worse each day was growin', 
•' Lanty dear," says she, " 'tis sad, 

To th' other world I'm surely goin'. 
You can't survive my loss I know, 

Nor long remain in Tipperary, 
Won't you follow me? won't you follow me?" 

" Faith I won't," says Lanty Leary. 

THE IRISHMAN'S SHANTY. 

Did ye's ever go into an Irishman's shanty? 
Och, b'ys, that's the place where the whisky is 

plentj : 
Wid his pipe in his mouth there sits Paddy so 

free, 
No king in his palace is prouder than he. 
Arrah, me honey! w-h-a-e-k! Paddy's the 

boy ! 

There's a three-legged stool, wid a table to 

match, 
And the door of the shanty is locked with a 

latch ; 
There's a nate feather mattress, all bustin' 

wid straw. 
For the want of a bedstead it lies on the floor. 
Arrah, me honev ! w-h-a-c-k! Paddv's the 

boy ! 

There's a sntur little bureau widout paint or 

gilt. 
Made of hoards that was left when the shanty 

was built; 
There's a three-cornered miner hangs up on 

the wall, 
But niver a face has been in it at all. 
Arrah. me honey! w-h-a-c-k! Paddy's the 

boy! 

He has pigs in the sty, and a cow in the stable. 
And he feeds thim on scraps that is left from 

the table: 
They'd starve if confined, bo they roam at 

their aise. 
And come into the shanty whinever they plaze. 
Arrah. me honey! w-h-a-e-k! Paddy's the 

1mi\ ! 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



119 



THE IRISHMAN'S SHANTY.— Continued. 
He has three rooms in one — kitchen, bedroom, 

and hall, 
And his chist it is three wooden pegs in the 

wall ; 
Two suits of ould clothes makes his wardrobe 

complete, 
One for wear in the shanty, the same in the 
street. 
Arrah, me honey! w-h-a-c-k! Paddy's the 

boy ! 

There is one who partakes of his sorrows and 

joys, 
Attinds to the shanty, the girls and the boys: 
(The brats he thinks more of than gold that's 

refined), 
But Biddy's the jewel that's set in his mind. 
Arrah, me honey! w-h-a-c-k! Paddy's the 

boy! 

THE IRISHMAN. 

The savage loves his native shore, 

Though rude the soil and chill the air; 
Then well may Erin's sons adore 

Their isle which nature formed so fair. 
What flood reflects a shore so sweet 

As Shannon sweet or pastoral Baun? 
Or who a friend or foe can meet 

So generous as an Irishman? 



His hands is rash, his heart i« warm, 

But honesty is still his guide ; 
None more repents a deed of harm, 

And none forgives with nobler pride; 
He may be duped, but won't be dared — 

More fit to practise than to plan ; 
He dearly earns his poor reward, 

And spends it like an Irishman. 



If strange or poor, for you he'll pay, 

And guide to where you safe may be; 
If you're his guest, while e'er you stay, 

His cottage holds a jubilee. 
His inmost soul he will unlock, 

And if he may your secrets scan, 
Your confidence he scorns to mock, 

For faithful is an Irishman. 



By honor bound in woe or weal, 

Whate'er she bids he dares to do; 
Try him with bribes — they won't prevail ; 

Prove him in fire — you'll find him true. 
He seeks not safety, let his post 

Be where it ought in danger's van; 
And if the field of fame be lost, 

It won't be by an Irishman. 



Erin, loved land, from age to age, 

Be thou more great, more famed and free, 
May peace be thine, or shouldst thou wage 

Defensive war — cheap victory. 
May plenty bloom in every field, 

Which gentle breezes softly fan, 
And cheerful smiles serenely gild 

The home of every Irishman. 



RIGGED OUT. 

I'm a brand from the burning, a genuine saint, 
Newly purged and set free from Papistical taint; 
Yea, I'm one of that holy, that sanctified troop 
Whose souls have been chastened by flannel and soup. 

I'll tell how so blessed a change came about : 

I always was lazy, a slouch, and a lout; 

I never was willing to delve or to dig, 

But I looked for support to my wife and the pig. 

My spirit was never confused or perpl 'xcd 

By the talk in this world about things in the next; 

But I felt I'd be certain of one life of bliss, 

If some one would feed me for nothing in this. 

And so by a ditch near my cabin I lay, 
With my front to the sun, on a hot summer day, 
When the Reverend Oliver Stiggins came by, 
And attracted my gaze by the white of his eye. 



He spoke, and he said: "1 perceive by your face, 
Wretched man, that you're much unacquainted with j 
" Very true, sir,"' said 1, " sure I scarce know the ts 
Of the broth or the flesh of a four-footed baste." 



grace, 
taste 



Then he bade me arise and proceed with him home, 
Till he'd give me some proofs of the errors of Rome. 
I went, and the clinchers that Oliver chose 
Were a full and complete suit of second-nand clothes. 

I felt at the moment the breeches went on 

That half of my ancient religion was gone; 

Much was done by a vest buttoned up to the throat, 

But the grand hit of all was a rusty black coat. 

The hat was convincing, as one might expect, 
The necktie itself had a certain effect ; 
Then to pluck away error right out from the roots. 
He covered my croobs with a new pair of boots. 

Then he raised up his hands and his eyes, and began 
To declare, through his nose, I'd " put off the Old Man," 
And he hoped to my newly-found faith I'd hold fast ; 
Which I said that I would — while his garments would last. 

Then he bade me go talk unto Biddj r , my wife, 
About ribbons and cotton and Protestant life; 
And to ask her, with dear Mrs. Stiggins' regards, 
What stuff' would convert her, and how many yards. 

I hurried to Biddy — she shrieked with affright, 
She laughed and she cried at the comical siyut: 
She en lied me an assal, a rogue, and a fool, 
And fell combing my head with a three-legged stool. 

She pitched me right out and she bolted the door, 
I knocked and I shouted, I cursed, and I swore; 
But soon I grew meek, and I made up my mind 
I could fare very well leaving Biddy behind. 

From town unto town have I traveled since then, 
Giving good British Scripture to women and men, 
And indulging at times in a bit of a freak, 
But, sure, Stiggins himself knows the flesh is but weak. 

Well, my clothes are supplied, and secure is my pay, 
But my wages are settled at so much per day'; 
And 1 boldly contend that my friends have no right 
To heed what a Souper may 'do through the night. 



VAO 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE WOMAN OE THREE COWS. 



Woman of Three Cows,, arragh! don'l let your tongue thus 

rattle ! 
(Hi, don't be saucy, don't be stiff, because you may have cattle. 

1 have seen — and, here's my hand to you, 1 omy Bay what's 

true — 
A main a one with twice your stock not half so proud as you. 

Good lack to you, don't scorn the poor, and don't be their des- 

piser ; 
For worldly wealth soon melts away, and cheats the very miser: 
And death soon strips the proudest wreath from haughty human 

brows. 
'I hen don't be stiff and don't be proud, good Woman of Three 

Cows ! 



See where Mononia's heroes lie, proud Owen More's descendants, 
"lis they that won the glorious name and had' the grand at- 
tendants ! 
If they were forced to bow to fate, as every mortal bows, 
Can you be proud, can you, be stiff, my Woman of Three Cows? 

The brave sons of the Lord of Clare, they left the land to 
mourning ; 

Alovronc! for they were banish 'd, with no hope of their return- 
ing — 

Who knows in what abodes of want those youths were driven to 
house ? 

Yet you can give yourself these airs, O Woman of Three Cows! 

Oh, think of Donnell of the Ships, the chief whom nothing 

daunted — 
See how he fell in distant Spain, unchronieled, unchanted! 
He sleeps, the great O'Sullivan, where thunder cannot rouse — 
Then ask yourself, should you be pround, good Woman of Three 

Cows ! 



O'Ruark, Maguire, those souls of fire, whose names are shrin'd 

in story — 
Think how their high achievements once made Erin's greatest 

glory — 
Yet now their bones lie moldering under weeds and cypress 

boughs, 
And so, for all your pride, will yours, O Woman of Three 

Cows ! 



Th' O'Carrolls also, famed when fame was only for the boldest, 
Rest in forgotten sepulchers with Erin's best and oldest; 
Yet who so great as they of yore in battle or carouse? 
Just think of that, and hide your head, good Woman of Three 
Cows! 

Your neighbor's poor, and you, it seems, are big with vain ideas, 
Because, inagh! you've got three cows — one more, 1 see, than 

she has ; 
That tongue of yours wags more at times than charity allows — 
But, if you're strong, be merciful, great Woman of Three Cows! 

Now, there you go! You still, of course, keep up your .scornful 

bearing, 
And I'm too poor to hinder you — but, by the cloak I'm wearing! 
If I had but four cows myself, even though you were my spouse, 
I'd thwack you well to cure your pride, my Woman of Three 

Cows! 



BELIEYi: ME, IF ALL THOSE ENDEARING 
YOUNG CHARMS. 



BELIEVE me, if all those endearing young 
charms, 
Which 1 gaze on so fondly to day, 
Were to change by to-morrow, and fleet in 
my arms, 
Like fairy-gifts, lading away. 

Thou wouldst still be ador'd as this moment 
thou art, 
Let thy loveliness fade as it will; 
And around the dear ruin each wish of my 
heart 
Would entwine itself verdantly Btill. 

It is not while beauty and youth are thine own, 
And thy cheeks unprofan'd by a tear, 

That the fervor and faith of a soul can be 
known, 
To which time will but make thee more dear! 

Oh! the heart, that has truly lov'd, never for- 
gets, 
But as truly loves on to the close; 
As the sunflower turns on her god, when he 
sets, 
The same look which she turn'd when he 
rose! 

PAT AND THE PRIEST. 

Pat fell sick on a time, and he sent for the 
priest, 

That, dying, he might have his blessing, at 
least; 

And to come with all speed did humbly im- 
plore him, 

To lit him out right for the iuorney before 
him. 

The good father the summons did quickly 
obey, 

And found Paddy, alas! in a terrible way; 

Fixed and wild' were his looks, and his nose 
cold and blue, 

And his countenance wore a cold churchyard- 
like hue. 

The good father bid Pat eonfiss all his crimes, 

To think of his sins and forsake them betimes; 

Or his fate else would be, like other vile souls, 

To be Hayed and be salted, then roasted on 
coals. 

'■Oh! think, my dear Pat, on that beautiful 

place, 
Where you'll visit St. Patrick and see his 

sweet face ; 

Tis a country, my jewel, so charming and 

swate, 
\\ here you'll never want praties nor brogues to 

your fate." 

" Well, well, then," saya Pat, with inquisitive 

face, 
"That country must sure be a beautiful place; 
St. Patrick, no doubt, will-give US good cheer, 
Put d'ye think he any oul 1 w! 

there? " 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



121 



PAT AND THE PRIEST.— Continued. 
The good father with wonder, amaze and sur- 
prise. 
Clasped his hands and next turned up the 

whites of his eyes; 
"Oh! vile sinner," says he, "can you hope to 

he forgiven 
If you think there is carousing and drinking 

in heaven? " 
" Well, well, then," says Pat, "though I can- 
not help thinking. 
If in heaven they can do wthout eating or 

drinking, 
( Though 1 don't mean to say what you tell is 

a fable), 
Twould be dacent, you know, to see a drop on 

the table." 

COUNTY JAIL. 
Good people, all, give ear I pray, 
And mark ye all to what 1 say. 
To my misfortunes, gr< at and small, 
Come listen and I'll tell you all: 
I used to lead a glorious life, 
Devoid of care, devoid of strife; 
Could go to bed and fall asleep — 
No ugly visions around me creep — 
But, oh! the toots and Cupid gods 
They nearly drove me ramping mad; 
They piped into a railroad mail 
And carried me off to County Jail! 
And when we got to the end of the route, 
The turnkey turned my pockets out, 
To see if I had got such stuff 
As money, grub, tobacco, or snuff; 
They took me in to try my size, 
The color of hair, the color of eyes — 
They measured me up from root to tip, 
To see if I had but one top lip ; 
Then straightway to the yard did go 
And ordered me a suit of clothes, 
The kyds came out and did me hail, 
"Another new cove for County Jail! " 
Then one of them, with a roguish leer, 
Says, " My jolly old cove, what brought you 

here?" 
What do you think brought me out, 
What brought me here but your railroad 

route ? 
Then they gather 'd 'round me Ike so many 

fools, 
And one talked about the rules, 
That each newcomer should sing a song, 
Or tell a tale, God knows how long — 
Or they'd break his wind and give him a 

whack, 
Oh they'd take him down to black Jack, 
From there they'd wollop him, tooth and nail, 
With an old wet towel from County Jail! 
As 1 walked out and strolled the yard, 
Thinking my case was wondrous hard, 
All at once I heard a din. 
The deputy warden shouts, " All in." 
Then lumbering down the yard we go, 
Tike beasts let out of a wild beast sliow — 
Some cracked in mind and some in wind, 
And others with a crack behind; 
Then one by one we march around the tub 
To get our county allowance of grub, 
Which b'ew our ribs out like a sail, 
With a skilly and whack from County Jail! 



GRANDFATHER BRIAN. 

Grandfather Brian departed this life, it was on Saint Patrick's 

day, 
He started off to the next world without ever asking the way; 
Leaving me all of his riches, with a great deal of wealth, d'ye 

see? 
With a pair of his cloth leather breeches that buttoned up down 

to the knee. 

Chorus. 

Hurrah for my grandfather Brian! I wish he was living, och, 

sure ! 
And every day he'd be dying to be leaving me ten times as much 

more. 

He left me the whole two sides of bacon, only one half was jusl 

cut away, 
With a broomstick with the head of a rake on, and a field full 

of straw to make hay ; 
He left me some props and some patches, with a beautiful new 

smock frock, 
Six beautiful hens to lay duck's eggs, only one turned out to 

be a cock. 

He left me a well full of water, only some said it was dry, 
Three pitfuls of sand, lime and mortar, and a squinting Tomcat 

with one eye ; 
He left me an old dog and a kitten, his lapstone, knife and 

brad-awl, 
With a lump of Dutch cheese that was bitten and a box full of 

nothing at all. 

He left me a glass that was broken, with a pair of new boots 

without soles, 
And, faith! if the truth must be spoken, a kettle with fifty-five 

holes ; 
A knife board made out of leather, a treacle pot half full of 

glue, 
A down bed without ever a feather, and a fine coat nigh handy 

in two. 

He left me a very fine clock, too, full of brass wheels made out 
of wood ; 

A key without ever a lock, too, a stool to sit down where 1 
stood. 

A blanket made out cf cloth patches, a bread basket made of tin- 
ware, 

A window without any sashes, and a horse collar made for a 
mare. 

He left me a starling, a beauty, but it turned out to be a thrush, 
He bid me in life do my duty, and never comb my hair with a 

brush ; 
He left me six pounds all n copper, with a splendid straight 

rule double bent, 
And a beautiful bacca stopper with a view of Blackwater in 

Kent. 

He left me some whisky for drinking and a beautiful stick, look 

at that, 
And also a she bull for milking and a second-hand silk beaver 

hat ; 
He left me a shirt all in tatters among other things 1 must, 

state, 
And a rare stock of old broken platter and, in fact, all tie 

family plate. 

He left me the bog for a garden, one night it got covered witli 

the flood, 
And when I went out in the morning I wenl up to my two < 

in mud ; 
He left me a fine mare for 1 reeding, it's age was over \ l 

score. 
And when I come here next evening I will tell you ten times as 

much more. 



122 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



COUNTY JAIL.— Conti med. 
At five o'clock one of them said, 
■• it'.-, nearly time to go to bed;" 
The truth from him 1 found did creep, 
For all turned in and went to sleep. 
The turnkey bawled, as stiff as Btarch, 
•■ Righl about face and then quick march!" 
We did, and made such a rush, 
Like monkeys marching around a bush: 
Such clanking of clogs, such shaking of I 
Such croaking of bellies and clanking of keys, 
Such damning beds as hard as a nail, 
They'd starve a poor de\il in County Jail! 

At six next morning up we L r "t. 
; ach man was called to clean his pot, 
Then through the yard we did lurch, 
All fell in line to go to church; 
And there such dresses as met my view. 
One arm was red the other was blm — 
One leg was yellow, the other was gray, 
And then the parson began to pray. 
He said that Elijah went up in a cloud, 
And Lazarus walked about in his shroud, 
And that donah he lived inside of a whale, 
A d d sight better than County Jail! 

Service being over, we all got back 
And fell in line for skilly and whack; 
We crushed like pigs all in a lump — 
At nine each took his hand at pump. 

vt ten we raised a cilorious mill, 

Vnd smothered each other with right good 

will ! 
At eleven we raised it and quit the house, 
All fell in line for pans of skouse. 
Then if there's a man, no matter how droll, 
We pop him into Poinpie's hole, 
Where whack and water cocks his tail, 
There's glorious times in County Jail! 

0, SONS OF ERIN. 

O, soxs of Erin, brave and strong, 

L'pon your prostrate mother gaze; 
Her sorrows have been overlong, 

Tis time her beauteous face to raise. 
When tyranny usurps the right, 

And chivalry pines in the jail. 
There's deep revenge in Freedom's fight — 

'Tis life to win, 'tis death to fail! 

The power of monarchy is steel, 
And crushing, soul-subduing laws, 

Whose weight alone the toilers toil. 

And murmur oft, and know the cause. 
And battle oft tne despot's might, 

And scorning torture and the jail, 
Seek swift revenge in Freedom's Sght — 

'Tis life to win, 'tis deatli to Jail! 

Wild — wild's (lie night e'er freedom's sun 

Lights up the ramparts of the free; 
It rolls away, the battle's won, 

And sounds a chorions reveille — 
A reveille of h( arts full light, 

Uncrushed by slavery and the jail, 
It echoed down the Alpine height, 

'Twill glad the hills of Innisfail! 



MOLLY, ASTHORE. 

As down by Banna's banks I strayed one evening in May, 
I I,.- little birds in blithest notes made vocal every spray: 
They sung their little notes of love, they sung tliem o'er and 

o'er — 
Ah: gramachree, my colleen oge, my Molly, asthore. 

The daisy pied and all the sweets the dawn of nature yields, 
The primrose pale, the violet blue, lay scattered o'< Ids, 

Such fragrance in the bosom lies of her whom I ad 
Ah! gramachree, my colleen oge, my Molly, asthore. 

1 laid me down upon a bank, bewailing my sad fate. 
That doomed me thus a slave to love and cruel Molly's hate; 
How can she break the honest heart that wears her in it.- core, 
Ah ! gramachree, my colleen oge, my Molly, asthore. 

Y'ou said you loved me, Molly, dear — ah! why did 1 believe! 

Yet who could think such tender words were meant but to de- 
ceive. 

That love was all I asked on earth — nay, heaven could give no 
more, 

Ah! gramachree, my colleen oge, my Molly, asthore. 

Oh! had 1 all the ilocks that graze on yonder yellow hill. 
Or lowed for me the numerous herds that yon green pasture fill; 
With her I love I'd gladly share my kine and fleecy stoic 
Ah! gramachree, my colleen oge, my Molly, asthore. 

Two turtle doves above my head sat courting on a bough, 
I envied them their happiness to see them bill and coo: 
Soon fondness once for me was shown, but now. alas! 'tis o'er.. 
Ah! gramachree, my colleen oge, my Molly, asthore. 

Then fare thee well, my Molly dear, thy loss I e'er shall mourn. 
While lite remains in Stephen's heart 'twill beat lor thee alone! 
Tho' thou art false, may heaven on thee its choicest id. .-sings * 

pour, 
Ah! gramachree, my colleen oge. my Molly, asthore. 



THE HARP WITHOUT THE CROWN. 

On! how she plowed the ocean, the good ship Castle Dotcn, 
The day we hung our colors out. the Harp without the Crown! 
A gallant bark, she topped the wave: and fearless hearts were 

we. 
With guns, and pikes, and bayonets, a stalwart company. 
'Twas sixteen years from Thurot; and Bweepng down the bay, 
The "Siege of Carrickf ergus " so merrily we did plaj ; 
By the old Castle's foot we went, with three right hearty 

cheers ; 
And waved our green cockades aloft, for we were Volunteers, 

Voluntt ,i s, 
Oh! we were in our prime that day. stout Irish Volunteers. 
'Twas when we waved our anchor on the breast of smooth Gar- 

movle. 
Our l;uiis spoke out in thunder: "Adieu, sweet Irish soil! 
At Whiteabbey, and Greencastle, and Holy wood so gay, 
Were hundreds waving handkerchiefs, with many a loud hi: 
Our voices o'er the water went to the voices 'round: 
5Toung Freedom, struggling at her birth, might utter such a 

sound. 
But one green slope beside Belfast, we cheered, and cheered it 

still: 
The people had changed its name that year, and called it 

Hunker's Hill: 

Bunker's Hill. 
Oh! that our hands, like our hearts, had been in the trench at 

Bunker's Hill! 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



123 



THE HARP WITHOUT THE CROWN.— Continued, 

Our ship cleared out for Quebec port; but thither little bent, 

TJP some New England river, to run her keel we meant. 

We look our course due north as out 'round old Blackhead we 

steered. 
Till Ireland bore southwest by south, and Fingal'a rock ap- 
peared. 
Then on the poop stood Webster, whle the ship hung flutteringly, 
About to take her taek across the wide, wide ocean sea. 
lie points to the Atlantic — " Yonder's no place for slaves; 
Haul down these British badges; for Freedom rules the waves, 

Rules the waves! " 
Three hundred strong men answered, shouting: "Freedom rules 

the waves! " 
Then altogether they arose, and brought the British ensign 

down ; 
And up we raised our island Green, without the British frown; 
Emblazoned there a golden harp, like maiden undefiled, 
A shamrock wreath around its head, looked o'er the sea and 

smiled. 
A hundred days, with adverse winds, we kept our course afar; 
On the hundredth day, came bearing down, a British sloop-of- 

war. 
When they spied our flag they fired a gun; but as they neared 

us fast, 
Old Andrew Jackson went aloft, and nailed it to the mast, 

To the mast. 
A sailor was that old Jackson ; he made our colors fast, 
Patrick Henry was our captain, as brave as ever sailed; 
" Now we must do or die," said he, " for our green flag is nailed." 

Silently came the sloop along; and silently we lay 

Till with ringing cheers and cannonade the foe began the fray; 

Then, their boarders o'er the bulwarks, like shuttlecocks we 

cast, 
One broadside volley from our guns swept down the tapering 

mast: — 
"Now, British Tars! St. George's cross is trailing in the sea; 
How do you like the greeting, and the handsel of the Free? 

Of the Free? 
These are the terms and tokens of men who will be free." 
They answered us with cannon, their honor to redeem, 
To shoot away our Irish Hag, each gunner took his aim; 
Tb y ripped it up in ribbons, till it fluttered in the air, 
And filled with shot-holes, till no trace of golden Harp was 

there; 
But the ragged holes did glance and gleam, in the sun's golden 

light, 
Even as the twinkling stars adorn God's unfurled flag at night. 
With drooping fire, we sung: "Good-night, and fare-ye-well, 

brave Tars! " 
Our Captain looked aloft: "By Heaven! the flag is stripes and 

stars, 

Stripes and stars." 
Right into Boston port we sailed, below the Stripes and Stars. 

I'M PROUD I'M AN IRISHMAN BORN. 

The Scotchmen may boast of their snow-covered mountains, 

Their wild towering rocks, woods and heath-covered dales; 
With their cataracts and rivers, and clear silver fountains, 

Their pastures of culture and their flower-covered vales. 
But give to me old Erin's shore, that's the land I adore, 

All countries I have seen, but no such beauties adorn: 
And where is the Irishman, who loves not his native land, 

Oh, boys, but I'm proud that I'm an Irishman born. 

Chorus. 

For Irishmen never yield when they're on the battlefield, 
With a "tin, sword or fist, or a twig of blackthorn: 

And oft on the battlefield our sires made their foes to yield, 
Oh, boys, but I'm proud that I'm an Irishman born. 



THE PEASANTS BRIDE. 

1 was a simple country girl 

That loved the morning dearly; 
My only wealth a precious pearl 

1 found one morning early. 
I milked my mother's only cow, 

My kind poor lovin' Drimin; 
I never envied then nor now 

The kine of richer women. 

The sun shone out in bonny June, 

And fragrant were the meadows; 
A voice as sweet as an Irish tune 

(I know it was my Thady's), 
Said, " Mary dear, I fain would stay, 

But where's the use repining? 
I must away to save my hay 

Now while the sun is shining." 

Now Thady was as stout a blade 

As ever stood in leather, 
With hook or scythe, with plow or spade, 

He'd beat ten men together; 
He's just the man, thought 1, for me, 

He is working late and early, 
He shall be mine if he is free, 

He takes my fancy fairly. 

I gave my hand, though I was young, 

And heart, too, like a feather, 
Our marriage song by the lark was sung 

When we were wed together ; 
And many a noble lord, I'm told, 

And many a noble lady, 
Would gladly give a crown of gold 

To be like me and Thady. 



TONY LUMPKIN'S SONG. 

Let schoolmasters puzzle their brain 

With grammar, and nonsense, and learning; 

Good liquor, I stoutly maintain, 
Gives genus a better discerning. 

Let them brag of their heathenish gods, 
Their Lethes, their Styxes, and Stygians; 
Their Quis, and their Quaes, and their Quods, 
They're all but a parcel of Pigeons. 
Toroddle, toroddle, toroll. 

When Methodist preachers come down, 

A-preaching that drinking is sinful, 
I'll wager the rascals a crown, 

They always preach best with a skinful. 
But when you come down with your pence 

For a slice of their scurvy religion, 
I'll leave it to all men of sense, 

But you, my good friend, are the pigeon. 
Toroddle, toroddle, toroll. 

Then come, put the jorum about, 

And let us be merry and clever. 
Our hearts and our liquors are stout, 

Here's the Three Jolly Pigeons forever. 
Let some cry up woodcock or hare, 

Your bustards, your ducks, and your wid- 
geon- : 
But of all the birds in the air. 

Here's a health to the Three Jolly Pigeons. 
Toroddle, toroddle, toroll! 



L24 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



I'M PKOUD I'M AN IRISHMAN BORN.— Continued. 
Old Ireland can boast of her states nen and warriors, 

Her poets, painters and sculptors, 100; 
She had Princely O'Neil, Sarstield, Norris and Clifford, 

Tyrconnell. O'Donnell and the great Brian Boru. 
Oliver Goldsmith, Thomas Moore, Isaac Butt and Sergeant 
Power, 
Robert Emmet and John Mitchell, Dan O'ConneU and Curran; 
The gnat Duke of Wellington, and hold Marshal McMahon, 
b >ys, bul I'm proud that I'm an Irishman born. 

stranger in old Ireland is sure to find a welcome hand, 
And kindly they'll treat him until he departs: 
Be he heathen, Russian, Jew or Turk, no hatred in the Irish 
lurk, 

love( truth and friendship doth reign in their hearts, 
So Irishmen of each degree, come join in Erin's praise with me, 

For wherever 1 am, my heart to Erin doth turn; 
For no nation upon the earth unto such heroes has given birth, 
Oh, boys, but I'm proud that I'm an Irishman born. 

THE FOX HUNT. 

The first morning of March in the year '33 
There was frolic and fun in our own country: 
The King's County hunt over meadows and rocks 
Most nobly set out in the search of a fox. 

Hullahoo! harkaway! hullahoo! harkaway! 

Hullahoo! harkaway, hoys! away, harkaway! 

When they started bold Reynard he faced Tullamore, 
Through \\ icklow and Arklow along the sea-shore; 
There he brisked up his brush with a laugh, and says he, 
" 'Tis mighty refreshing this breeze from the sea." 
Hullahoo! harkaway! etc. 

With the hounds at his heels every inch of the way, 
He led us by sunset right intot Roserea. 
Here he ran up a chimney and out of the top, 
The rogue he cried out for the hunters to stop 
From their loud harkaway! &c. 

'• 'Twas a long thirsty stretcb since we left the sea-shore, 
But, lads, here you've gallons of claret galore; 
Myself will make free just to slip out of view, 
And take a small pull at my own mountain dew," 
So no more hullahoo! etc. 

One hundred and twenty good sportsmen went down, 
And sought him from Ballyland through Ballyboyne; 
We swore that we'd watch him the length of the night, 
So Reynard, sly Reynard, lay hid till the light. 
Hullahoo! harkaway! etc. 

But the hills they re-echoed right early next morn 
With the cry of the hounds and the call of the horn, 
And in spite of his action, his crft, and his skill, 
Our fine fox was taken on top of the hill. 
Hullahoo! harkaway! etc. 

Whin Reynard he knew that his death was so nigh, 
For pen, ink, and paper he called with a sigh; 
And all his dear wishes on earth to fulfil, 
With th se few dying words he declared his last will, 
While we ceased harkaway! etc. 

"Here's to you, Mr. Casey, my Curragmore estate. 
And to you, young O'Brien, my money and plate, 
And to you, Thomas Dennihy, my whip, spurs, and cap. 
I .1 no leap was so cross that you'd loo'c for a gap." 
And of what tie made mention thej round it no blank, 
For he gave them a check on the National Bank. 



THE CONVICT AND THE CROSS. 

' Oh ! let me wear the little cross, the little 
cross that once I wore. 

When oft, a happy boy, 1 roamed along the 
Lee's lament iiig aliore; 

And as I heard the stream glide by, that 
sobbed to leave so sweet a land, 

A more lamenting human tide swept onward 
to the distant strand; 

Even then 1 vowed, come weal, come woe, if 
faintest hope should ever gleam 

That life and verdure here at home might 
spring from that now wasted stream, 

That 1 would take my liumble part — that I 
the glorious risk would share, 

And what the patriot heart inspired the pa- 
triot hand would do and dare. 

But ah! I faint, mine eyes grow dim in think- 
ing of the days of yore — 

Oh! let me wear the little cio>s ttiat once a 
happy child 1 wore ! 

" 'Twill tell me of a mother's love: forgive me, 

O thou sacred sign ! 
'Twill tell me more than mother's love — 'twill 

tell me of a love divine ; 
'Twill tell me of a captive bound, a captive 

bound by ruthless hands — 
The thorny crown, the draught of gall, the 

ruffian jeers o fribald bands — 
The shame, the agony, the death! ah, me! the 

years have rolled and rolled, 
And still in this most awful type, unselfish 

love thy fate behold! 
These it will tell, and oh ! perchance, a softer 

thought 'twill whisper too — 
Father, forgive, forgive even them, for ah! 

they know not what they do. 
But ah! I faint, mini ey* s grow dim, my lease 

of life is well nigh o'er — 
Oh! let me wear the little cross, that once a 

happy child I wore! " 

The cross was seni ; some kindly heart, that 

heard the cant he's dying prayer. 
Left at the gate the little cross smooth-folded 

round with loving care; 
Coarse hands, and cold the sacred fold with 

scorn and careless languor broke, 
And found, enshrined in snowy fleece, a little 

cross of Irish oak. 
'"Ho! ho! " they cried, "what emblem's this! 

what popish charm is this we sec? 
Some talisman, perchance, it is to set the Irish 

rebel free I 
And so it is, although ye mock, beyond your 

bolts, beyond your bars, 
'Twill lead his soul enfranchised forth, above 

the bue, above the stars; 
For though ye kept it from his hands, within 

his faithful heart he bore 
The little cross, the saving cross that once a 

happy child he wore. 

A curse be on such heartless rules, and shame 
to them who such could shape, 

Could Bring to life such monstrous forms, such 
v orms oi iid of tape — 

Scourge, if ye will, the honest hacks of those 
who scorn your lash, and yc — 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



125 



THE CONVICT AND THE CROSS.— Continuetl. 

But torture not the soul with thongs, and leave 

the immortal spirit free. 
From Tobolsk's mines, from Ethiop's plains, 

from Abyssinian tyrants tarn 
That men are not machines, nor move by 

springs, thai you alone discern — 
Imprison, exile, hang all those your ruthless 

laws have foemen made; 
But let the soul, in going forth, be strength- 
ened by Religion's aid. 
No; yours to judge the priceless worth, not 

yours to Stan the countless store 
Of grace and hope the cross can give, the 

cross a Christian child once wore. 



IRISH NATIONAL HYMN. 

Oh. Ireland, ancient Ireland, 
Ancient, yet forever youn 1 ; 
Thou our mother, home and sireland, 
Thou at length hast found a tongue. 
Proudly thou at length 
Resistest in triumphant strength. 
Thy flag of freedom floats unfurled ; 
And as that mighty God existeth, 
Who giveth victory when and where He 
listeth, 
Thou yet shalt wake and shake the nations of 
the world. 
For this dull world still slumbers, 
YVeetless of its wants or loves, 
Though, like Galileo, numbers 

Cry aloud: "It moves — it moves!" 
In a midnight dream, 
Drifts it down Time's wreckful 
stream — 
All march, but few descry the goal. 
Oh, Ireland be it thy high duty 
To tench the world the might of moral 
beauty, 
And stamp God's image truly on the strug- 
gling soul. 



Strong in thy self-reliance, 

Not in idle threat or boast, 
Hast thou hurled thy fierce defiance 
At the haughty Saxon host. 
Thou hast claimed, in sight 
Of high Heaven, thy long-lost right. 
Upon thy hills, along thy plains, 
In the green bosom of thy valleys, 
The new-born soul of holy freedom rallies, 
And calls on thee to trample down in dust thy 
claims! 



Deep, saith the Eastern story, 

Burns in Iran's mines a gem, 
For its dazzling hues and glory 
Worth a Sultan's diadem. 
But from human eyes 
Hidden there it ever lies! 
The aye-travailing Gnomes alone, 

Who toil to form the mountain's treasure, 
May gaze and gloat with pleasure without 
measure 
Upon the lustrous beauty of that wonder- 
stone. 



DARRYNANE. 

(Written in 1844, after a visit to Darrynane Abbey.) 

WHERE loams the white Torrent, and rushes the rill, 
Down the murmuring slopes of the ecnoing hill — 
Where tin' eagle looks out from his cloud-crested crags, 
And the caverns resound with the panting of stags — 
Where the brow oi t lie mountain is purple with heath, 
And the mighty Atlantic rolls proudly beneath, 
With the foam of its waves like the snowy /< mine — 
Oh! that is the region of wild Darrynane! 

Oh! fair are the islets of tranquil Glengariff, 

And wild are the sacred recesses of Scariff — 

And beauty, and wildness, and grandeur, commingle 

By Bantry's broad bosom, and wave-wasted Dingle; 

But wild as the wildest, and fair as the fairest, 

And lit by a luster that thou alone vvearest — 

And dear to the eye and the free heart of man 

Are the mountains and valleys of wild Darrynane! 

And who is the Chief of this lordly domain? 
Does a slave hold the land where a monarch might reign? 
Oh! no, by St. Finbar, nor cowards, nor slaves. 
Could live in the sound of these free, dashing waves! 
A Chieftain, the greatest the world has e'er known — 
Laurel his coronet — true hearts his throne — 
Knowledge his scepter — a Nation his elan — 
O'Connell, the Chieftain of proud Darrynane! 

A thousand bright streams on the mountains awake, 
Whose waters unite in O'Donoghue's Lake — 
Streams of Glanflesk and the dark Gishadine 
Filling the heart of that valley divine! 
Then rushing in one mighty artery down 
To the limitless ocean by murmuring Lowne! 
Thus Nature unfolds in her mystical plan 
A type of the Chieftain of wild Darrynane! 

In him every pulse of our bosoms unite — 

Our hatred of wrong and our worship of right — 

The hopes that we cherish, the ills we deplore, 

All center within his heart's innermost core, 

Which gathered in one mighty current, are flung 

To the ends of the earth from his thunder-toned tongue ! 

Till the Indian looks up, and the valiant Affghan 

Draws his sword at the echo from far Darrynane! 

But here he is only the friend and the father, 
Who from children's sweet lips truest wisdom can gather, 
And seeks from the large heart of Nature to borrow 
Rest for the present and strength for the morrow! 
Oh! who that e'er saw him with children about him, 
And heard his soft tones of affection, could doubt him? 
My life on the truth of the heart of that man 
That throbs like the Chieftain's of wild Darrynane! 

:Oh! wild Darrynane, on thy ocean-washed shore, 
Shall the glad song of mariners echo once more? 
Shall the merchants, and minstrels, and maidens of Spain, 
Once again in their swift ships come over the main '.' 
Shall the soft lute be heard, and the gay youths of Prance 
Lead our blue-eyed young maidens again to the dance? 
Graceful and shy as thy fawns, Killenane, 
Are the mind-molded maidens of far Darrynane ! 

Dear land of the South, as my mind wandered o'er 
All the joys I have felt by thy magical shore. 
From those lakes of enchantment by oak-clad Glena 
To the mountainous passes of bold Iveragh ! 
Like birds which are lured to a haven of rest, 
By those rocks far away on the ocean's bright breast — 
Thus my thoughts loved to linger, as memory ran 
O'er the mountains and valleys of wild Darrynane! 



126 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



IRISH NATIONAL HYMN.— Continued. 

So is it with a nation 

Which would win for its rich dower 
That bright pearl, Self-Liberation — 
It must labor hour by hour. 
Strangers, who travail 
To lay bare the gem, shall fail; 
Within itself, must grow, must glow — 
Within the depths of its own bosom 
Must flower in living night, must broadly 
blossom, 
The hopes that shall be born ere Freedom's 
tree can blow. 



Go on, then, all-rejoiceful! 

March on thy career unbowed! 
Ireland! let thy noble voiceful 
Spirit cry to God aloud! 
Man will bid thee speed — 
God will aid thee in thy need — 
The Time, the Hour, the Power are near — 
Be sure thou soon shalt form the vanguard 
Of that illustrious band whom Heaven and 
Man guard; 
And those words come from one whom some 
have called a Seer 



THE TRUE IRISH KING. 

The Caesar of Rome has a wider demesne 
And the Ard-Riyh of France has more clans in 

his train ; 
The scepter of Spain is more heavy with gems, 
And our crowns cannot vie with the Greek 

diadems; 
But kinglier far, before Heaven and man, 
Are the emerald fields and the fiery-eyed clan, 
The scepter, and state, and the poets who sing. 
And the swords that encircle a True Irish 

Kin"! 



For he must have come from a conquering 
race — 

The heir of their valor, their glory, their 
grace ; 

His frame must be stately, his step must be 
fleet, 

His hand must be trained to each warrior feat ; 

His face, as the harvest moon, steadfast and 
clear, 

A head to enlighten, a spirit to cheer; 

While the foremost to rush where the battle- 
brands ring, 

And the last to retreat is a True Irish King. 



Yet, not from his courage, his strength or his 
name. 

Tan he from the clansmen their fealty claim. 

The poorest, and highest, choose freely to- 
day 

The chief that to-night they'll as truly obey; 

For loyalty springs from a people's consent, 

And the knee that is forced had been better 
unbent — 

The Sassenach serfs no such homage can bring 

As the Irishman's choice of a True Irish 
Kin'' ! 



THE IRISH PEASANT GIRL. 

SHE lived beside the Anner, 

At the foot of Sliv-na-mon, 
A gentle peasant girl, 

With mild eyes like the dawn; 
Her lips were dewy rose-buds, 

Her teeth, of pearls so rare, 
And a snow-drift 'neath a beechen bough, 

Her neck and nut-brown hair. 

How pleasant 'twas to meet her 

On Sunday, when the bell 
Was filling with its mellow tones 

Lone wood and grassy dell ; 
And when at eve young maidens 

Strayed the river bank along, 
The widow's brown-haired daughter 

Was the loveliest of the throng. 

Oh. brave — brave Irish girls — 

We well may call you brave — 
Sure the least of all your perils 

Is the stormy ocean wave; 
When you leave our quiet valleys, 

And cross the Atlantic's foam, 
To hoard your hard-won earnings 

For the helpless ones at home. 

" Write word to my own dear mother — 
Say we'll meet with God above, 

And tell my little brothers 
1 send them all my love ; 

May the angels ever guard them. 
Is their dying sister's prayer — " 

And folded in the letter 

Was a braid of nut-brown hair. 

Ah, cold and well-nigh callous, 

This weary heart has grown, 
For thy helpless fate, dear Ireland, 

And for sorrows of my own: 
Yet a tear my eye will moisten, 

When by Aimer side I stray. 
For the lily of the mountain foot, 

That withered far away . 

OULD IRELAND, YOU'RE MY DARLIN'. 

OrLD Ireland, you're my jewel, sure. 

My heart's delight and glory ; 
Till time shall pass his empty glass. 

Your name shall live in story. 
And this shall be the song for me, 

The first my heart was larnin 
Before my tongue one accent sung. 

" Ould Ireland, you're my darlin'." 

My blessings on each manly son 
Of thine, who will stand by thee; 

But hang the knave and dastard slave, 
So base as to deny thee. 

Then bould and free, while yet for me 
The globe is 'round us whirlin 

My song shall be Gra Galmachree, 

Ould Ireland, you're my darlin'. " 

Sweet spot of earth that gave me birth, 

Deep in my soul I cherish, 
While life remains within these veins, 

A love that ne'er can perish. 
If it was a thing thai 1 could sing. 

Like any thrush or st;irlin'. 
In cage or tree, my song should be: 

" Ould Ireland, you're my darlin'. " 



i 

ft 



U 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



127 



THE TRUE IRISH KING.— Continued. 

Come, look on the pomp when they make an 

O'Neil ; 
The muster of dynasts — O'Hagan, O'Shiel, 
O'Cahan, O'Hanlon, O'Breslen, and all, 
From mild Ardes and Orior to rude Donegal. 
" St. Patrick's comharba,' with bishops thir- 
teen, 
And Ollaves, and brehons, and minstrels, are 

seen, 
'Round Tulaeh-Og Rath, like the bees in the 

spring, 
All swarming to honor a True Irish King. 
Unsandaled he stands, on the foot dinted rock, 
Like a pillar-stone fix'd against every shock. 
'Round — 'round is the Rath on a far-seeing 

hill, 
Like his bleniishless honor and vigilant will. 
The grey-beards are telling how chiefs by the 

score 
Have been crowned on " The Rath of the 

Kings " heretofore, 
"While, yet crowded, yet ordered, within Us 

green ring, 
Are the dynasts and priests around the True 

Irish King. 

The chronicler read him the laws of the elan, 
And pledged him to bide by their blessing and 

ban ; 
His skian and his sword are unbuckled to 

show 
That they only were meant for a foreigner 

foe; 
A white willow wand has been put in his 

hand — 
A type of pure, upright and gentle command — 
While hierarehs are blessing, he slipper they 

fling, 
And O'Cahan proclaims him a True Irish 

King. 

Thrice looked he to Heaven wth thanks and 

with prayer — 
Thrice looked to his borders with sentinel 

stare — 
To the waves of Loch Neagh, the heights of 

Strabane, 
And thrice on his allies, and thrice on his 

clan — 
One clash on their bucklers — one more — they 

are still — 
What means the deep pause on the crest of 

the hill? 
Why gaze they above him? A war-eagle 

wing! 
" Tis an omen ! Hurrah for the True Irish 

King! " 

God aid him! God save him and smile on his 

reign — 
The terror of England, the ally of Spain. 
May his sword be triumphant o'er Sassenach 

arts, 
Be his throne ever girt by strong hands and 

true hearts. 
May the course of his conquest run on till he 

see 
The flag of Plantagenet sink in the sea! 
May minstrels forever his victories sing, 
And saints make the bed of the True Irish 

King. 



THE BONNY BUNCH OF ROSES, 

By the borders of the ocean. 

One morning in the month of June, 
For to hear those warlike songsters, 

Their cheerful notes and sweetly tune; 
I overheard a female talking, 

Who seemed to be in grief and woe, 
Conversing with young Bonaparte, 

Concerning the bonny bunch of roses oh. 

Then up steps young Napoleon 

And takes his mother by the hand, 
Saying: Mother, dear, haw patience 

Until 1 am able to command; 
Then I will take an army, 

Through tremendous dangers I will go; 
In spite of all the universe 

I will conquer the bonny bunch of roses, oh. 

The first time that I saw young Bonaparte, 

Down on his bended knees fell he; 
He asked the pardon of his lather, 

\\ ho granted it most mournfully. 
Dear son, he said, I'll take an army 

And over the frozen Alps will go, 
Then I will conquer Moscow, 

And return to the bonny bunch of roses, oh. 

He took five hundred thousand men, 

With kings likewise to bear his train; 
He was so well provided for 

That he could sweep this world alone. 
But when he came to Moscow. 

He was overpowered by the driven snow, 
When Moscow was a blazing, 

So he lost lis bonny bunch of roses, oh. 

O, son, don't speak so venturesome, 

For in England are the hearts of oak; 
There is England. Ireland, Scotland, 

Their unity was never broke. 
O, son, think on thy father, 

On the Isle of St. Helen his body lies low, 
And you must soon follow after him, 

So beware of the bonny bunch of roses, oh. 

Now do believe me, dearest mother, 

Now I lie on my dying bed ; 
If I had lived I would have been clever, 

But now I droop my youthful head. 
But whilst our bodies lie moldering, 

And weeping willows over our bodies grow, 
The deeds of great Napoleon 

Shall sting the bonny bunch of roses, oh. 

WE MAY ROAM THRO' THIS WORLD. 

We may roam thro' this world, like a child at a feast, 

Who but sips of a sweet and then flies to the rest ; 
And, when pleasure begins to grow dull in the east. 

We may order our wings, to be off to the west; 
But if hearts that feel, and eyes that smile. 

Are the dearest gifts that heaven supplies, 
We never need leave our own green isle 

For sensitive hearts and for sun-bright eyes. 
Then remember, whenever your tob'et is crown'd, 

Thro this world, whether eastward or westward you roam, 
When a cup to the smile of dear woman goes round. 

Oh! remember the smile which, adorns her at home. 



;js 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



WE JIAA ROAM THRO' THIS WORLD.— Continued, 

In England the garden of beauty is kepi 
By a dragon of prudery placed within call; 

But so oft this unamiable dragon has sli 

That the garden's hut carelessly watched after all. 

Oh ! they want the wild >w\ el-briery iVnce, 
Which round the flowers of Erin dwells, 

Which warms the touch while winning the sense, 
Nor charms us least when it most repels. 
Then remember, etc. 

In France, when the heart of woman sets sail, 

On the ocean of wedlock its fortune to try, 
Love seldom goes far in a vessel so frail, 

But just pilots her off, and then bids her good-by; 
While the daughters of Erin keep the boy, 

liver smiling beside his faithful oar, 
Through billows ol woe, and beams of joy, 

The same as he looked when he left the shore. 
Then remember, etc. 

" THE GLEN OF THE LAKES." 
Glen of the Lakes! I hail thee with emotion, 

Long-sighed-for object of the poet's soul — 
A pilgrim-bard presents his heart's devotion 

Beside the hills where Avon's waters roll. 
Now sweetly o'er me steals a happy feeling, 

That thou art one I oft beheld before ; 
The hazy curtains seem to rise, revealing 

The long-sought beauties of thy magic shore. 

The silv'ry lakes! what solemn awe around them, 

Embosom'd safely 'mid the mountains brown ; 
The heathy cliffs, the waving forests bound them, 

Lugduff, the giant, proudly looketh down. 
The summer sun at midday softly peepeth 

Adown the heather, o'er the shadow'd streams; 
The gloomy brook awhile in silence sleepeth, 

Then wakes and smiles amid the sunny beams. 

So grand, so solemn seems the silence reigning 

Across the Glen in summer's brightest hour, 
That nature wearied here in peaee remaining, 

Seems slave awhile to slumber's mighty pow'r. 
She scarcely breathes beside the streamlet sighing, 

Beneath the pines that guard the sobbing lake; 
Till autumn leaves beside the waters lying. 

With rustling voices bid the sleepers wake! 

A home was here for sainted hermit glowing, 

With sacred love and wondrous faith divine! 
A calm retreat for youth in virtue growing 

Where nature's God could have a fitting shrine. 
And so the lakes, through brightest golden ages 

Rellected forms of Erin's sainted nun: 
And while their names illume historic pages, 

Saint Kevin's works shall speak amid the glen! 
They stand majestic — ruined churches lowly, 

Whose mold'ring porches ereeping-ivy climbs; 
The princes, prelates, hermits meek and holy 

Rest 'neath the cross that tells of better times. 
And, grandest sight! "the pillar-tow'r '' that telleth 

Of glories gone amid the glooms of time; 
For though no more the Abbey-bell out swelleth, 

The voiceless ruins tell their tale sublime! 
Unnumbered legends, quaint, and sweet, and tender, 

Are still preserv'd and heard beside the glen 
Of holy Kevin, peasants' kind defender — 

The friend and father dear to suffering men. 
One summer day, alas! it soon departed. 

When seated nigh the lake with friends most dear, 
I heard of Kevin, kind and tender-hearted, 

And felt 1 then had kindred spirits nearl 



PAT MALONY'S FAMILY. 

ME name is Mike Malony, I'm a carpenter by 

t rade, 
I married Molly Higgins, who all my trouble 

made ; 
She'u as many of relation- as fish 
They ate me out of house and home, and de- 
' stroyed me family. 

Chorus. 
There's her father and her mother and her 

sister and her brother, 
Seventeen hundred babies laying on 1 1 

kill i - : 

Her uncles >nd her cousins, and her aunties 
by t lie dozen. 
Lived upon the earnings of Patrick Malony. 

My pants would i't her uncle, her dress would 

fit her niece, 
I have to sleep upon the roof, or I never have 

no peai i ; 
They made me buy them dainties, root beer by 

the pail, 
I'd have to w r ait till they were full before I'd 

get me male. 

Chokus. 
There was a puddin', there was mutton that'd 
make you hurst a button ; 
And a fiery-headed Corkonian by the name 
of Pat Cloney, 
To superintend the table, to put me in a 
stable 
While they ate up all the labor of Patrick 
Malony. 

Her un< le wore my stockings, my hat would 

fit his hcao 
Whin tired out wid labor thev'd kick me out 

of bed ; 
I put up every pinny for to keep them from 

Bellevue, 
I wish the Coroner would sit on my wife and 

all the crew. 

Chokus. 
There's her nephews and her nieces, that come 

from several places: 
Seventeen hundred grandmothers and mothers- 
in-law, you see ; 
A wagon load of Dalvs, McSweegan and the 
Halys 
Lived on the earnings of Patrick Malony. 

There's her second cousin's brother, and his 
tooth'ess old stepmother. 
And sixteen hundred emigrants from Ire- 
land, you see ; 
Wid their boxes and their bedding, on my in- 
grain carpet treading. 
They lived upon the earnings of Patrick 
Malony. 

Chorus. 
There's the Bradys and the Gradys — 
dacent, perfect ladies. 
Always axiug charity from my family, 
you see ; 
One husband was a loafer, the other was 
a toper, 
Depending on the friendship of Patrick 
Malony. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



129 



•• THE BRIGADE " AT FONTENOY. 

By our camp tires 'rose a murmur 

At the dawning of the day, 
And Lhe Head of many footsteps 

Spoke the advent of a fray; 
And as we took our places, 

Few and stern were our words, 
While some were tightening horse-girths, 

And some were girding swords. 

The trumpet blast lias sounded 

Our footmen to array — 
The willing steed has bounded, 

Impatient for the fray — 
The green flag is unfolded, 

While arose the cry of joy — 
" Heaven speed dear Ireland's banner 

To-day at Fontenoy." 

We looked upon that banner, 

And the memory arose 
Of our homes and perished kindred, 

Where the Lee or Shannon flows; 
We looked upon that banner, 

And we swore to God on high, 
To smite to-day the Saxon's might — 

To conquer or to die. 

Loud swells the charging trumpet — 

"Tis a voice from our own land — 
God of battles — God of vengeance, 

Guide to-day the patriot band; 
There are stains to wash away — 

There are memories to destroy, 
In the hest blood 01 the Briton 

To-day at Fontenoy. 

Plunge deep the fiery rowels 

In a thousand reeking flanks — 
Down, chivalry of Ireland, 

Down on the British ranks — 
Now shall their serried columns 

Beneath our sabers reel — 
Through their ranks, then, with the war- 
horse — 

Through their bosoms with the steel. 

With one shout for good King Louis, 

And the fair land of the vine. 
Like the wrathful Alpine tempest 

We swept upon their line — 
Then rang along the battle-field 

Triumphant our hurrah. 
And we smote them down still cheering, 

''Erin, slanthagal go bragh! " 

As prized as is the blessing 

From an aged father's lip— 
As welcome as the haven 

To the tempest-driven ship — 
As dear as to the lover 

The smile of gentle maid — 
Is this day of long-sought vengeance 

To the swords of the brigade. 

See their shattered forces flying, 

A broken, routed line — 
See England, what brave laurels 

For your brow to-day we (wine. 
Oh, thrice blessed the hour that witnessed 

The Briton turn to flee 
From the chivalry of Erin, 

And France's " flcur de lis." 



IRELAND WILL YET BE FREE. 

Let tyrants exult and their mandates proclaim, 

Their scepters with iron hands sway; 
Oppression the Irish heart never can tame, 

Nor drive hope of freedom away. 
The yoke may be heavy and firm in its place. 

The fetters secure all may be; 
But blood will wash out this most shameful disgrace, 

And Ireland ere long shall be free. 

The day may be distant — perhaps it is mar, 

When freedom shall dawn on our land : 
When Ireland no longer a tyram need i 

Her rights she will seek and demand. 
Her fields, now deserted, shall blossom once more. 

Her ships will skim over the sea; 
The hirelings of England be hurled from our shore, 

And Ireland will truly be free. 

Then toast our fair island, my countrymen all, 

" Success to her struggle so nigh ; " 
Her sons will spring forth at the first trumpet call, 

And battle for freedom or die. 
Then when we have conquered and peace smiles again, 

Let this our grand toast ever be: 
"Confusion to tyrants wherever they reign! " 

And Ireland shall ever be free. 

THE IRISH MOTHER'S DREAM. 

One night, as the wind of the winter blew loud, 
And snow swathed the earth, like a corse in its shroud, 
An aged mother mused in her dim cottage shed. 

O'er the young soldier-son of her heart far away, 
Where the cannon flames red o'er the low lying dead, 

And the desolate camp bleakly spreads in the day. 
And near stood her daughter, with sad strained smile, 

And kind cheek of care that long weeping had worn. 
As she whispered, " Now sleep, dearest mother, a while — 

God is good, and our Dermod will surely return." 

The poor mother turned on her pillow, and there 
Soon slept the kind sleep Heaven sheds on our care. 
Silence filled the dusk chamber — the low ashy hearth 

Sunk lower, and noiselessly sifted the snow, 
O'er the white, spacious girth of the cold, solemn earth, 

Where the muffled moon fitfully glimmer'd below; 
But vanished the while are her visions of fear. 

And passed, for a space, is her sorrow and pain; 
For an angel has wafted her soul from its sphere, 
And in dreams she beholds her own Dermod again. 

Dear joy! how she loves him! A long year has passed 
Since she kissed his pale forehead, and hung on his breast ; 
She looks in his face — 'tis the same, still the same — 

Still soft are those eyes as the dew on the sod: 
No thirst for the game of wild battle or fame 

Have lessened their love for her. thanks be to God! 
But away! they are speeding o'er mountain at d moor — 

O'er city and forest — o'er tempest and tide; 
But little she heeds of their terrors, be sure. 

While that son of her bosom seen s still at her Bide. 

Lo! at length they have passed the wild ocean, and stand 
On a summit, that looks o'er a desolate land; 
Far od the great fortresses loom o'er the spray 

Anear, the bleak tents drift the slopes of the ground; 
And a sense of decay fills the solitude -ray. 
For an army in ruins is scattered around. 
"And is it for this," said the poor dreaming soul, 

My Dermod has wandered from home's blessed'air? 

Here Death tills the wind blowing keen from the pole- 
Here the pestilence strikes what the cannon may spare." 



130 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IKEL.' 



THE IRISH MOTHER'S DREAM.— Continued. 
They passed through the streets of the tents lying still — 
They passed by the trenches that ridge the brown hill — 
They saw the pale faces that famine has worn: 

They pace where the wounded lie lonely and lost — 
Where the corse, cannon-torn, to its red bed was borne — 

Where the poor frozen sentinel died on his post. 
" Ah, why, Dermod, why did you cross the wide foam, 

To fortune, my child, in this land of the dead? 
Sure we'd plenty at home — there was better to eorne: 
Why, for this, did yen leave me, acushla?" she said. 

'• 1 thought, as you grew fond and brave by my side, 
No sorrow could cloud us — no fate could divide; 

1 fancied the daj- when our home would grow bright, 

\> :. : ile of some colleen I'd cherish for thee— 

When I'd sing thro' the night by the hearth's ruddy light, 

With your boy, my own Di i mod, i sleep on my knee; 
And when, circled round friends, 

Old age drooped my head, after many a year. 
As 1 passed to my God, through the death that He sends, 

The kind Father would bless me, and you would be near.'' 

Still close in the gloom seems he standing by her; 
But hark! "lis the drum, and the camp is astir; 

And a sound fills the air, from the hill to the star, 
Like an earthquake, along the wild bastion it runs, 
While echoes afar roar the voice of the War, 

As it doubles its thunder from thousands of guns. 
And she wakes. In the gleam of the pale morning air 

One gives her a letter — soon, soon is it read; 
But a low piteous moan only speaks her despair — 
"Ah, Mother of God! my own Dermod is dead! " 

INNISHOWEN. 

God bless the gray mountains of dark Donegal, 
God bless Royal Aileaeh, the pride of them all; 
For she sits evermore like a Quei n on her throne, 
And smiles on the valleys of Green Innishowen. 

And fair are the valleys of Green Innishowen, 
And hardly the fishers that call them their own — 
A race that nor traitor nor coward have known 
Enjoy the fair valleys of Green Innishowen. 

O! simple and bold are the bosoms they bear, 
Like the hills that with silence and nature they share; 
For our God, who hath planted their home near his own, 
Breathed His spirit abroad upon fair Innishowen. 

Then praise to our Father for wild Innishowen, 
Where fiercely forever the surges are thrown — 
Nor weather nor fortune a tempest hath blown 
Could shake the strong bosoms of brave Innishowen. 

See the l>ountiful Couldah careering along — 

A type of their manhood so stately and strong — 

On the weary forever its tide is bestown, 

So they share with the stranger in fair Innishowen. 

God guard the kind homesteads of fair Innishowen, 

Which manhood and virtue have chosen for their own; 

Not long shall that nation in slavery <_ r roan. 

That rears the tall peasants of fair Innishowen. 

Like that oak of St. Bride which nor Devil nor Dane, 
Nor Saxon nor Dutchman could rend from her fane. 
They have clunj,' by the creed and the cause of their own 

'that reais I he tall peasants of fair Innishowen. 
Then shout for the glories of old Innishowen, 
The stronghold that foemen have never o'ei thrown — 
The sou i and the >pirit, the blood and the bone. 
That guard the green valleys of true Innishowen. 



THE WEARING OF THE GREEN. 

One blessing on my native isle! 

One curse upon her f 
While yet her skie> above me smile, 

Her breeze around me blow-: 
Now, never more my cheek be wet; 

Nor si^h, nor altered mien. 
Tell the dark tyrant 1 regret 

The Wearing of the Green. 

Sweet land! my parents loved you well; 

They Bleep within your breast; 
With theirs — for love no words can tell— 

My bones must never I 
And lonely must my true love stray, 

That was our village queen, 
When 1 am banished far away, 

For the Wearing of the Green. 

But, Mary, dry that bitter tear, 

'Twould break my heart to 
And sweetly sleep, my parents dear. 

That cannot weep for me. 
I'll think not of my distant tomb, 

Nor seas rolled wide between. 
But watch the hour that yet will come, 

For the Wearing of the Green. 

Oh, I care not for the thi>tle, 

And 1 care not for the rose, 
For when the cold winds whistle 

Neither down nor crimson shows; 
But like hope to him that's friendless 

Where no gaudy flower is seen. 
By our graves with love that's endless, 

Waves our own true-hearted Green. 

Oh, sure God's world was wide enough, 

And plentiful for all! 
And ruined cabins were no stuff 

To build a lordly hail; 
They might have "let the poor man live, 

Yet all as lordly I een ; 
But Heaven its own good time will give 

For the Wearing of the Green. 



KATY's LETTER. 

Och, girls dear, did you ever hear I wrote my 

love a letter, 
And although he cannot read, I thought 'twas 

all the better ; 
For why should he be puzzled with hard spell- 

ing in the matter, 
When the maning was so plain that I loved 

him faithfully, 
And he knows it — oh, he knows it — without 

one word from me. 

I wrote it and I folded it, and put a seal upon 

it, 
'Twas a seal almost as big as the crown of my 

best bonnet ; 
For I would not have the postmaster make his 

remarks upon it, 
As I'd said inside the letter that I loved him 

faithfully. 
And he knows it — oh. he knows it — without 

one word from me. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



131 



KATY'S LETTER.— Continued. 
My heart was full, but when I wrote I dare 

not put it half in, 
The neighbors know I love him, and they're 

mighty fond of chaffing j 
So I dare not write his name outside for fear 

they would be laughing, 
So I wrote: -From little Kate to one whom 

she loves faithfully," 
And he knows it— oh, he knows it— without 

one word from me. 

Now, girls, would you believe it, that postman, 

so eonsated, 
No answer will he bring me, so long as I have 

wai t 
But maybe there mayn't be one for the rason 

tliat I stated, 
That my love can neither read nor write, but 

loves me faithfully, 
And I know where'er my love is, that he is 

true to me. 



SWEET ERIN, MY COUNTRY. 

Sweet Erin, my country, oh, wilt thou for- 
ever 
Enslaved by the tyrant be, doomed to de- 
spair ? 
Will the day ever come, when with joy we can 
sever 
The despotic grasp from our Isle, pure and 
fair? 
Though thy sons, by the cruel oppressor were 
banished 
Far from their native shore, over the sea, 
Still the spirit of Plope from their hearts had 
not vanished, 
They'd die for "the cause" still, dear Erin 
machree. 

Sweet Erin, my country, oh, could I but free 
thee 
From those chains of serfdom that bind you 
in pain ; 
My life's blood I'd sacrifice freely to see thee 

Crowned with the halo of freedom again. 
How proudly, dear Erin, you stood 'midst 
your glory, 
When your name was revered in those 
bright days of yore; 
And honor illulmes the grand old, old story, 
Which speaks of thy prowess then, Erin 
asthore. 

Sweet Erin, my country, the sad tears of 
mourning 
Now glisten like dew on your cheek, oh, so 
worn ; 
Thy smile once was bright as the sun when 
adorning 
Your mountains and vales, on a sweet sum- 
mer morn ; 
But some day the hand of a just retribution 
Shall strike, yes, and sweep from thy emer- 
ald shore 
The laws that enslave thee in cruel persecu- 
tion. 
And proudly you'll stand forth a nation once 
more. 



INNISHOWEN. Contiv wed. 

Nor purer of old was the tongue of the Gael, 
When the charging uboo made the foreigner quail; 
Than it gladdens the stranger in welcome's soft tone, 
In the home-loving cabins of kind lnnisiiowen. 

0! flourish, ye homesteads 01 Kind Innishowen, 
Where seeds of a people's redemption are sown; 
Right soon shall the fruit of that sowing have grown, 
To bless the kind homesteads of green Innishowen. 

When they tell us the tale of a spell-stricken band 
All entranced, with their bridles and broadswords in hand, 
Who await hut the word to give Erin her own, 
Through the midnight of danger in true Innishowen. 
Hurrah for the Spaenien of proud Innishowen! — 

Long live the wild Seers of slout Inn ! 

May Mary, our mother, be deaf to their moa 
Who love not the promise of proud lnni-1 o\ 

MISTER MICHAEL MURPHY. 

Ten years ago I stepped on board a ship to England bound; 
My heart and pockets both were light, though I'd not got a 

pound. 
I was but a young " Greesheen," then, without deceit or sham; 
But times and things have altered with myself, and now I am — 

Chorus. 
Misfcr Michael Murphy, a man of great ability, 
Known and respected, too, by all the gentility ; 
Patronized by all the nobs, amongst tie great nobility, 
For Mister Michael Murphy is a well-known man. 

I got some work to carry bricks, at fourteen bob a week, 
But soon I got the sack, because they said I'd too much cheek; 
So I fell back upon the club, and when I let them si e, 
That I was full of book-learning, they made a i ecretary of — 
Chorus. 

From that they made me president of our new Home Rule 

League, 
And I soon got acquainted with an M. P., Mr. Teague. 
My speechifying was so good, I soon got into fame. 
And everybody tells me that the man to make a name is — 

Chorus. 

My letters are now all addressed, "Michael Murphy, Esquire;" 

And if I get in Parliament, I'll set the house on fire. 

With my great and burning eloquence I'll teach them the right 

way 
To satisfy the Home Rule League; then every one will say — 

Chorus. 

I LOVE OLD IRELAND STILL. 

Where is the man that does not love the land where he wis born, 
Who does not think of it with pride, no matter how forlorn? 
I only know that I love mine, and long again to see 
Oppression from it banished, and old Ireland once more free. 

Chorus. 
Let friends all turn against me, let foes say what they will, 
My heart is with my country, I love old Ireland still. 

You'll find no better island if you search the wide world o'er; 
And yet she's sneered at and despised, because her offspring's 

poor ! 
If she could only have the wealth that lies beneath her soil, 
She'd once more prosper, and her sons might live by honest 

toil. — Chorus 

There's not an Irishman to-day would ever wish to roam 
Into a foreign land to live, if he could live at home. 
Then give her liberty, and let her banner be unfurled. 
Then Ireland and her sons may prove a credit to the world. — 
Chorus. 



132 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



BRIDGET MOLLOY. 

In an ivy elad cabin there dwelt a colleen, 

Fresh and fair as the goddess of morn, 
In v. - full of witchery, roguish and dark, 

Young cupids each moment were born. 
In the village >iie reigned like a beautiful queen, 

was every one's treasure and joy, 
And there was m.t a boy but would die for a smile 

From the lips of sweet Bridget Molloy — 
And there was not a boy but would aie for a smile 

From the lip.-, of sweet Bridget M0II03-. 

When the birds in the springtime were choosing their mates, 

Young Dermot won her virgin hear) : 
And tin; vowed as they stood hand in hand by the brook 

There was nothing could tear them apart. 
And they'd picture the time when united they'd be, 

For a lifetime of love and joy; 
And no happier lovers there ever was seen, 

Than young Dermot and Bridget Molloy — 
And no happier lovers there ever was seen, 

Than 3 r oung Dermot and Bridget Molloy. 

When his hopes were the brightest misfortune came 'round, 

And a boy couldn't well live at home. 
So a pathway of fortune he tried to cut out, 

For his love in a land o'er the foam. 
" Heaven bless you, my Dermot asthore, 

Your affections and faith will you buoy. 
And may fortune to you be as constant and true 

As the heart of your Bridget Molloy — 
And may fortune to you be as constant and true 

As the heart of your Bridget Molloy." 

With a heart beating high he returned for his love, 

He was fortunate over tne wave, 
But the form of his loved one was gone from his sight, 

He was led to a newly made grave. 
She left him a message, a lock of her hair, 

With the words: "For my own darling boy!" 
And the hopes of his life have been sunk in the grave 

Of his own darling Bridget Molloy — 
And the hopes of his life have been sunk in the grave 

Of his own darling Bridget Molloy. 

THE BANTRY GIRLS' LAMENT FOR JOHNNY. 

On, who will plow the field, or who will sell the corn? 
Oh, who will wash tin- sheep, an' have 'em nicely shorn? 
The stack that's on the haggard unthrashed it may remain, 
Since Johnny went a-thrashing the dirty King o' Spain. 

The girls from the bawnoge in sorrow may retire. 

And the piper and his bellows may go home and blow the fire; 

For Johnny, lovely Johnny, is sailin' o'er the main. 

Along with other pathriarchs, to tight the King o' Spain. 

The boys will sorely miss him, when Moneyhore comes round, 
And grieve that their bould captain is nowhere to be found; 
The peelers must stand idle, against their will and grain, 
For the valiant boy who gave them work now peels the King o' 
Spain. 

At wakes or hurling-matches your like we'll never see. 
Till you come back to us again, astore gra-gal-maeliree : 
And won't you throunce the buckeens that show us much disdain, 
Bekase our eyes are not so black as those you'll meet in Spain. 

If cruel fate will not permit our Johnny to return. 
His heavy loss we Bantry girls will never cease to mosrn; 
We'll resign ourselves to our sad lot, and die in grief and pain, 
Since Johnny died for Ireland's pride in the foreign land of 
Spain. 



THE IRISHMEN OF TODAY. 

I am told every day that the Irish are fools 
And degraded by every shame; 

And that everj effort they make for their 
rights 

Adds onh disgrace to their name. 
Murder is wrong and for vengeance 'twill cry, 

To the zenith of heaven's great dome; 
But how can a man see the ones that he loves 

Just driven like dogs from their home? 

Chorus. 

So don't form opinions until you know 
well 
Who's 1o blame, and then what you say 
Will cast no reflection on true-hearted 
men, 
The Irishmen of to-day. 

I have seen sons and daughters of Irish de- 
scent. 
Who would fain pass their old parents by, 
For maybe their clothes w r ere not cut in the 
style. 
Or their walk wasn't fair to the eye. 
And perhaps their old father to educate them 

Had spent all that hard labor gains: 
To see them grow up to deny both his name 
And the blood that sent life through their 
veins. 

Do you think we would stand England's 
tyranny here 
In this mightiest land of the free? 
Do you think she don't know it for many a 
year, 
Since she lost the tax on the tea? 
Then why should poor Paddy 1 e held in dis- 
dain 
For holding his place on th : s earth? 
For a man is a coward who would not stand 
up 
And fight for the land of his birth. 

RIDING DOUBLE. 

Trottin' to the fair. 

Me and Moll Malony, 
Seated, 1 declare, 

On a single pony — 
How am I to know that 

Molly's safe behind. 
Wid our heads in, oh ! that 

Awk'ard way inclined! 
By her gentle breathin' 

Whispered past my ear. 
And her white arms wreathin' 

Warm around me h< n . 
Trot til,' to the fair. 

Me and .Moll Malony, 
Scaled. T declare, 

On a single pony. 

Yerrig Masthcr Jack. 

Lift your forelegs higher, 
Or a rousin' crack 

Surely you'll require. 
4- Ah!" says Moll. "I'm frightened 

That the pony '11 start." 
And her hands she tightened 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



133 



RIDING DOUBLE.— Continued. 
On my happy heart; 
Till widout reflectin', 

'Twasn't quite the vogue, 
Somehow, Tin suspeetin' 
That 1 snatched a pogue. 
Trottin' to the fair, etc. 

A SWEET IRISH GIRL IS THE DARLING. 

If they talk about ladies, I'll tell them the 

plan 
Of myself — to be sure I'm a nate Irishman; 
There is neither sultana nor foreign ma'mselle 
That has charms to please me, Or can coax me 

so well 
As the sweet Irish girl, so charming to see; 
Och! a tight Irish girl is the darling for me. 
And sing filliloo, fire away, frisky she'll be, 
Och! a sweet Irish girl is the darling for me; 

For she's pretty, 

She's witty, 

She's hoaxing 

And coaxing, 

She's smiling, 
Beguiling to see, to see; 

She rattles, 

She prattles, 

She dances 

And prances, 
Och ! a sweet Irish girl is the darling for me. 

Now, some girls they are little and some they 

are tall, 
Och, others are big, sure, and others are small; 
And some that are teasing are bandy, I tell ; 
Still none can please mo, or can coax me so 

well, 
As the dear Irish girl, so charming to see; 
Och! a sweet Irish girl is the darling for me; 

For she's pretty, 

She's witty. 

She's hoaxing 

And coaxing, 
Beguiling to see, to see; 

She rattles. 

She prattles, 

She's smiling, 

She dances 

And prances, 
Och! a sweet Irish girl is the darling for me. 

SONG OF THE IRISH EXILE. 

Alone, all alone, by the wave-washed strand, 

And alone in the crowded hall! 
The hall it is gay, and the waves are grand 

But ii. y heart is not there, at all. 
It flies far away, by night and by day, 

To the time and the place that are gone — 
Oh, I never can forget the maiden I met 

In the valley near Sliebh na m-ban! 

It was not the grace of her queenly ar, 

Nor her cheek like the rose's glow, 
Nor was it the wave of her braided hair, 

Nor the gleam of her lily white brow; 
'Twas the soul of truth, and the melting ruth, 

And the eye like the summer dawn. 
That stole my heart away, one mild day, 

In the valley near Sliebh na m-ban! 



THE LAMENT OF GRANU WAIL. 

John Bull was a bodach, as rich as a Jew, 
As griping, as grinding, as conscienceless, too; 
A wheedler, a shuffler, a rogue by wholesale, 
And a swindler, moreover, says Granu Wail! 



John Bull was a banker, both pursy and fat. 
With gold in his pockets, and plenty of that ; 
And he tempted his neighbors to sell their entail: 
'Tis by scheming he prospers, says Granu Wail! 



John Bull was a farmer, with cottiers galore — 
Stout chawbacons once that like bullocks could roar; 
Hard work and low wages, and Peel's sliding scale, 
Have bothered their courage, says Granu Wail! 



John Bull was a bruiser, so sturdj' and stout, 
A boisterous bully— at bottom a clout — 
For when you squared up he was apt to turn tail- 
Brother Jonathan lashed him, says Granu Wail ! 



John Bull was a merchant, and many his ships, 
His harbors, his dock-yards, and big building slips; 
And the ocean he claimed as his rightful entail — 
Monsieur Parley-vouz bars that, says Granu Wail ! 



John Bull had dependencies, many and great — 
Fine, fertile, and fat — every one an estate ; 
But he pilfered and plundered wholesale and retail — 
There's Canada signs on it, says Granu Wail ! 

John Bull was a saint in the western clime, 
Stood fast for the truths of the Gospel sublime, 
Vowed no other faith in the end could avail — 
Isn't the Jugghernaut champion? says Granu Wail! 

John Bull had a sister, so fair to be seen, 
With a blush like a rose, and a mantle of green. 
And a soft, swelling bosom! on hill or in dale, 
Oh ! where could you follow, sweet Granu Wail ! 



And John loved his sister, without e'er a flaw, 
Like the fox and the pullet, the wolf and the lamb; 
So he paid her a visit — but mark her bewail: 
My title deeds vanished ! says Granu Wail ! 



Then he rummaged her commerce and ravaged her plains, 
Razed her churches and castles — her children in chains; 
With pitch-caps, triangles, and gibbets wholesale, 
Betokened John's love to poor Granu Wail! 



But one of her children more bould than the rest, 
Took it into his head for to make a request! 
Our rights, Uncle John! Else our flag on the gale? 
Faix, he got an instalment, says Granu Wail ! 



And now he is at the Ould Growler again. 
With his logic and law, and three millions of men! 
And nothing will plaise him, just now, but repale, 
"Mo seast or anam astig tu,' says Granu Wail! 



134: 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF 1KELAND. 



SONG OF THE IRISH EXILE.— Continued. 
Alone, all alone, by the wave-washed shore, 

My restless spirit trios — 
My love, oh, my love, will I never see you 
more ? 
And my land! will you ever uprise? 
By night and by day I ever pray, 
While lonelily the time rolls on, 
To see our flag unrolled and my true love to 
unfold 
In that valley near Sliebh na m-ban ! 
THE GLASS OF WHISKY. 
At the side of the road, near the bridge of 
Drumcondra, 
Was Murrough O'Monaghan stationed to 
beg; 
He brought from the wars, as his share of the 
plunder, 
A crack on the crown and the loss of a leg. 
"Oagh, Murrough! " he'd cry, " musha nothing 
may harm ye ! 
What made you go fight for a soldier on 
sea? 
You fool, had you been a marine in the army, 
You'd now have a pinsion and live on full 
pay.' 
" But now I'm a cripple, — what signifies think- 
ing? 
The past I can never bring round to the 
fore ; 
The heart that with old age and weakness is 
sinking 
Will ever find strength in good whisl y 
galore. 
Oagh, whisky, mavourneen, my joy and my 
jewel ! 
What signifies talking of doctors and pills? 
In sorrow, misfortune, and sickness so cruel, 
A glass of north country can cure all our 
ills. 
" When cold in the winter it warms you so 
hearty ; 
When hot in the summer it cools you like 
ice; 
In trouble, false friends, without grief I can 
part ye : 
Good whisky's my friend, and I take its 
advice. 
When hungry and thirsty, 'tis meat and drink 
to me; 
It finds me a lodging wherever I lie; 
Neiher frost, snow, nor rain any harm can do 
me, 
The hedge is my pillow, my blanket the 
sky.' 
"Now merry be the Christmas! success to 
good neighbors! 
Here's a happy New \ear, and a great many 
too! 
With a plenty of whisky to lighten their la- 
bors, 
\ sweet luck attend every heart that is 
' true! " 
Poor Murrough, then joining his old hai ds 
togel her, 
High held up the glass while he vented 
this prayer: 
"May whisky, by sea or by land, in all 
weather, 
Be never denied to the children of care! " 



PATRIOTS OP IRELAND. 

Now, friends, if you will listen, I will sing to you a song 

Of Ireland and her sons we loved ?o dear; 
There were patriots and heroes, and their names we love to heaT, 

For the green they were not afraid to wear. 
There was one so young and noble, who for his country died, 

To remember him the Irish won't forget ; 
Perhaps you've read his speeches in the Irish history, 

This hero's name was Robert Emmet. 

Chorus. 

Then give three cheers for Ireland, and let the people see 
That our rifles all are ready to set old Ireland free. 

There's another I will mention, and to Irishmen most dear, 

And for Ireland he proved a useful tool, 
I mean Dan O'Connell, may his soul now rest in peace, 

For deany he loved Ireland and home rule. 
There were three patriots to this world did bid good-by 

Before they could finish their design; 
They died hand ill Land trying to free their native land — 

Three martyrs, Allen, Larken and O'Brien. — Chorus. 

Now America had her hero s, and she loved them well, I'm sure, 

Take the history and you'll know what they have done: 
There was General Lafayette, Frenchman so true, 

And our own immortal General Washington. 
'Tis now one hundred years since the country they did free, 

And drove the English tyrant from our shore — 
1 wish that every Irishman eou'd have the same to say, 

Then Ireland would be free for evermore. — Chorus. 



BARNEY McCOY. 

I am going far away, Norah, darling, 

And leaving such an angel far behind; 

It will break my heart in two, which I fondly gave to you, 

And no other one so loving, kind and true. 

Chorus. 

Then come to my arms, Norah, darling, 

Bid your friends in dear old Ireland good-by, 

And it's happy we will be, in that dear land of the free, 

Living happy with your Barney McCoy. 

I would go with you, Barney, darling, 

But the reason why 1 told you oft before: 

It would break my poor mother's heart if from her I had to 

part . 
ind go roaming with you, Barney McCoy. 

ing far away, Norah, darling, 

sure as l God that 1 adore, 

But remember what I say, that until the judgment day, 
Stou will never see your Harney any more. 

[ would go with you, Barney, darl 

y mother and the test of them were there. 

I know we would be blest in that dear land of the West, 

Living happy with yon, Barney McCoy. 

I am going far away, Norah, darling, 
\n<i the ship is new anchored at the bay. 
\nd before to-morrow you will hear the signal gun, 
So be ready — it will carry us away. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



135 



THE K1LRUDDERY HUNT. 

Hark! hark! jolly sportsmen, a while to my tale, 
Which to gain your attention I'm sure cannot fail: 
"lis of lads and of horses, and dogs hat ne'er tire, 
O'er stone walls and hedges, thro' dale, bog, and brier; 
A pack of such hounds, and a set of such men, 
Tia fifty to one if you meet with again; 
Had Nimrod, the mightiest of hunters, been there, 
Fore-gad he'd have shook like an aspen for fear. 

In seventeen hundred and forty and four, 
The fifth of December, J think 'twas no more, 
At five in the morning, by most of the clocks, 
We rode from Kilruddery in search of a fox. 
The Leighlinstown landlord, the brave Owen Bray, 
And Johnny Adair, too, were with us that day; 
Joe Delhi, Hal Preston — those huntsmen jo stout — 
Dick Holmes, some few others: and so we set out. 

We cast off our hounds for an hour or more; 

When Wanton set up a most tuneable roar, 

"Hark! Wanton," cried Joe, and the rest were not slack; 

For Wanton's no trifler esteemed by the pack; 

Old Bounty and Collier came readily in, 

And every hound joined in the musical din: 

Had Diana been there, she'd been pleased to the life, 

And one of the lads got a Goddess to wife. 

Ten minutes past nine was the time of the day 
When Reynard broke cover, and this was his way — 
As strong from Kilegar, as tho' he feared none, 
Away he brush'd round by the house of Kilternan, 
To Carrickmines thence, and to Cherrywood then, 
Steep Shankhill he climbed, and to Ballyman glen, 
Bray Common he crossed, leap'd Lord Anglesey's wall, 
And seemed to say, " Little I care for you all." 

He ran Bushes Grove up to Carbury Byrns — 

Joe Debil, Hal Preston, kept leading by turns; 

The earth it was open, yet he was so stout, 

Tho' he might have got in, still he chose to keep out; 

To Malpas high hills was the way that he flew, 

At Dalkey's stone common we had him in view; 

He drove on to Bullock, then slunk Glenagarry, 

And so on to Monkstown, where Laura grew weary. 

Thro' Rochestown wood, like an arrow he passed, 
And came to the steep hills of Dalkey at last; 
There gallantly plunged himself into the sea, 
And said in his heart, " None can now follow me; 
Could stop the pursuit of the stanch -mettled hounds: 
Could stop the pursuit of the staunch-mettled hounds: 
His policy here did not serve him a rush, 
Five couple of Tartars were hard at his brush. 

To recover the shore then again was his drift ; 
But ere he could reach to the top of the clift, 
He found both of speed and of daring a lack, 
Being waylaid and killed by the rest of the pack. 
At ins death there were present the lads I have sung, 
Rave Larry, who, riding a garron, was hung: 
Thus ended at length a most wonderful chase, 
That held us five hours and ten minutes space. 

We returned to Kilruddery's plentiful board, 

Where dwelt hospitality, truth, and my Lord; 

We talked o'er the chase, and we toasted the health 

Of the man who ne'er struggled for place or for wealth. 

" Owen Bray balked a leap," says Hal Preston; " 'twas odd." 

" Twas shameful," cried Jack, " by the great L G ! " 



MORNING ON THE IRISH COAST. 

Th' anam an Dhia! but there it is, 

The dawn on the hills of Ireland! 
God's angels lilting the night's black veil 

Prom the fair, sweet face of my sircland; 
Oh, Ireland, isn't it grand you look, 

Like a bride in her rich adornin', 
And with all the pent-up love of my heart, 

I bid you the top o' the momin'. 

This one short hour pays lavishly back 

For many a year of mourning; 
I'd almost venture another flight, 

There's so much joy in returning — 
Watching out for the hallowed shore, 

All other attractions scornin' 
Oh, Ireland, don't you hear me shout? 

I bid you the top o' the mornin'. 

Ho — ho! upon Cleena's shelving strand, 

The surges are grandly beating, 
And Kerry is pushing her headlands out 

To give us the kindly greeting; 
Into the shore the sea-birds fly 

On pinions that know no drooping; 
And out from the cliffs, with welcomes charged, 

A million of waves come trooping. 

Oh, kindly, generous Irish land, 

So leal and fair and loving. 
No wonder the wandering Celt should think 

And dream of you in his roving! 
The alien home may have gems and gold — 

Shadows may never have gloomed it; 
But the heart will sigh for the absent land, 

Where the love-light first illumed it. 

And doesn't old Cove look charming there, 

Watching the wild waves' motion. 
Leaning her back up against the hills, 

And the tip of her toes on the ocean? 
I wonder I don't hear Shandon's bells, 

Ah, maybe their chiming's over, 
For it's many a year since I began 

The life of a Western rover. 

For thirty summers, astore machree, 

Those hills I now feast my eyes on, 
Ne'er met my vision, save when they rose 

Over Memory's dim horizon. 
E'en so, 'twas grand and fair they seemed 

In the landscape spread before me : 
But dreams are dreams, and my eyes would 
ope 

To see Texas sky still o'er me. 

Ah! oft upon the Texan plains, 

When the day and the chase were over, 
My thoughts would fly o'er the weary wave, 

And around this coast line hover; 
And the prayer would rise, that some future 
day, 

All danger and doublings scornin', 
I'd help to win my native laud 

The light of young liberty's mornin'. 

Now fuller and truer the shore line showa— 

Was ever a scene so splendid ? 
I feel the breath of the Munster breeze, 

Thank God that my exile's ended. 
Old scenes, old songs, old friends again, 

The vale and cot I was born in ! 
Oh, Ireland, up from my heart of hearts, 

I bid you the top of the mornin'. 



136 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



I 



THE KILRUDDERY HUNT.— Continued. 
Said Preston, " I holloa'd, ' Get on, tho' you fall ; 
Or I'll over you, your blind gelding and all.'" 

Each glass then we quaffed to freedom and sport, 

For party affairs we consigned to the Court: 

Thus we finished the rest of the day, and the night, 

In gay flowing bumpers and social delight. 

Thm till the next meeting bid farewell each brother, 

And we went on our way, well pleased with each other; 

As phoebus befriended our earlier roam. 

So Luna took care of conducting us home. 



TIM FINIGAN'S WAKE. 

Tim Finigan lived in Walker street, 

A gentle Irishman, mighty odd. 
H'd a beautiful brogue, so rich and sweet, 

And to rise in the world he carried a hod; 
But you see he'd a sort of a trippling way, 

With a love for the liquor poor Tim was born, 
And to help him through his work each day, 

He'd a drop of the creatur' each morn. 

Chorus. 



, Whack, hurrah! blood and 'ounds! ye sowl, ye! 
Welt the fiure, ye're trotters shake ! 
Isn't it the truth I've tould ye? 
Lots of fun at Finigan's wake. 



One morning Tim was rather full. 

His head felt heavy, which made him shake, 
He fell from the ladder and broke his skull, 

So they carried him home his corpse to wake; 
They rolled him up in a nice clean sheet, 

And laid him out, upon the bed. 
With fourteen candles 'round his feet, 

And a couple of dozen around his head. — Ciiobus 



His friends assembled at his wake. 

Missus Finigan called out for the lunch; 
First they laid in tay and cake, 

Then pipes and tobacky, and whisky punch. 
Miss Biddy O'Brien began to cry, 

Such a purty corpse did ever you see! 
Arrah! Tim avourueen, an' why did ye die? 

Och, none of your gab, sez Judy Magee. — Chorus. 



Then Peggy O'Connor took up the job, 

Arrah! Biddy, s;iys she. ye're wrong, I'm shure! 
But Judy then gave her a belt on the gob, 

And left her sprawling on tin- lime. 
Each side in the war did soon engage, 

'Twas woman to woman, and man to man, 
Shillelah law was all the rage, 

An' a bloody ruction soon began. — Ciiokus, 

Mickey Mulvaney raised his head, 

When a gallon of whisky flew at him; 
It missed him, and hopping on the bed, 

The liquor scattered over Tim. 
Bedad! he revives! Bee how he raises! 

An' Timothy, jumping from the bed. 
Cries, while he lathers around like blazes. 

Bad luck to ycr souls! d'ye think I'm dead? — Chobus 



MCDONALD'S BETURN TO GLENCO. 

As I went a-walking one evening of late, 
When Flora's gay mantle the fields decorate, 
I carelessly wandered — where I did not know — 
By the banks of a fountain that lies in Glenco. 

Like her who the prize of Mount Ida had won, 
There approached me a lassie as bright as the 

sun ; 
The ribbons and tartans around her did flow, 
That graced McDonald, the pride of Glenco. 

I thought she was enchanted, to her I drew 

nigh, 
The red rose and lily on her cheek seemed to 

vie; 
I asked her her name, and how far she'd to go, 
She answered me, Kind sir, I'm bound for 

Glenco. 

I said, My dear lassie, your enchanting smile 
And comely sweet features does my heart be- 
guile ; 
If your affections on me you'll bestow, 
You'll bless the happy hour we met in Glenco. 

Young man, she made answer, your suit I dis- 
dain, 

I once had a sweetheart, young McDonald by 
name; 

He went to the wars about ten years ago, 

And a maid I'll remain till he returns to 
Gleneo. 

Perhaps young McDonald regards not your 

name, 
But placed his affections upon some foreign 

dame; 
And may have forgotten, for aught that you 

know, 
The lovely young lassie he left in Glenco. 

My Donald's true valor, when tried in the 
field. 

Like his gallant ancestors, disdaining to yield; 

The Spaniards and French he'll soon over- 
throw. 

And in splendor return to my arms in Glenco. 

The power of the French is hard to pull down. 
And caused many heroes to die of their 

wounds ; 
And with young McDonald it may happen so, 
The man you love dearly perhaps i^ laid low. 

My Donald from his promise can never depart. 
For love, truth and honor are found in his 

heart ; 
And if I never see him, still single I'd go. 
And mourn for my Donald, the pride of 

(ilenco. 

Cheer up, my dear Flora, your sorrows are 

o'er. 
While life does remain we'll never pari more; 
Though the storms of war at a distance may 

blow. 
In peace and contentment we'll reside at 

Gleneo. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



137 



THE VALLEY LAY SMILING BEFORE ME. 

The valley lay smiling before me 

Where lately I left her behind ; 
Yet I trembled, and something hung o'er me 

That saddened the joy of my mind. 
I looked for the lamp which, she told me, 

Should shine when her pilgrim returned; 
But, though darkness began to infold me, 

No lamp from the battlements burned. 

I flew to her chamber — 'twas lonely, 

As if the loved tenant lay dead; 

But no, the young false one had fled. 
Ah, would it were death, and death only! 
And there hung the lute that could soften 

My very worst pains into bliss; 
While the hand that had waked it so often 

Now throbbed to a proud rival's kiss. 

There was a time, falsest of women! 

When Brefl'ni's good sword would have 
sought 
That man, through a million of foemen, 

Who dared but to wrong thee in thought! 
While now — oh, degenerate daughter 

Of Erin, how fallen is thy fame! 
And through ages of bondage and slaughter 

Our country shall bleed for thy shame. 

Already the curse is upon her, 

And strangers her valleys profane; 
They come to divide — to dishonor, 

And tyrants they long wil remain. 
But onward! the green banner rearing, 

Go, flash every sword to the hilt; 
On our side is virtue and Erin, 

On theirs is the Saxon and guilt. 



THE FOUR-LEAVED SHAMROCK. 

I'll seek a four-leaved shamrock 

In all the fairy dells, 
And if I find the charmed leaves, 

Oh, how I'll weave my spells. 
I would not waste my magic might 

On diamond, pearl or gold; 
For treasures tire the weary sense — 

Such triumph is but cold. 
But 1 would play the enchanter's part 

In casting bliss around: 
Oh! not a tear nor aching heart 

Should in the world be found, 

Should in the world be found. 

To worth I would give honor, 

I'd dry the mourner's tears ; 
And to the pallid lip recall 

The smile of happier years; 
And hearts that had long been estranged, 

And friends that had grown cold, 
Should meet again like parted streams 

And mingle as of old. 
Oh! thus I'd play the enchanter's part, 

Thus scatter bliss around ; 
And not a tear nor aching heart 

Should in the world be found. 

Should in the world be found. 



THE PILLAR TOW Kits OP IRELAND. 

The pillar towers of Ireland, how wondrously they stand 
By the lakes and rushing rivers through the \ alleys of our land; 
In mystic file, through the isle, they lift their heads sublime, 
These gray old pillar temples, these conquerors of time! 

Beside these gray old pillarsc, how perishing and weak 
The Roman's arch of triumph, and the temple of the Greek, 
And the gold domes of Byzantium, and the pointed Gothic spires! 
All are gone, one by one, but the temples of our sires! 

The column, with its capital, is level with the dust, 

And the proud halls of the mighty and the calm homes of the 

just; 
For the proudest works of man, as certainly, but slower, 
Pass like the grass at the sharp scythe of the mower! 

But the grass grows again when in majesty and mirth, 
On the wing of the spring comes the Goddess of the Earth; 
But for man in this world no spring-tide e'er returns 
To the labors of his hands or the ashes of his urns! 

Two favorites hath Time — the pyramids of Nile, 

And the old mystic temples of our own dear isle ; 

As the breeze o'er the seas, where the halcyon has its nest. 

Thus Time o'er Egypt's tombs and the temples of the West! 

The names of their founders have vanished in the gloom, 
Like the dry branch in the fire or the body in the tomb; 
But to-day, in the ray, their shadows still they cast — 
These temples of forgotten Gods — these relics of the past! 

Around these walls have wandered the Briton and the Dane — 
The captives of Armoriea, the cavaliers of Spain — 
Phoenician and Melesian, and the plundering Norman Peers — 
And the swordsmen of brave Brian, and the chiefs of later years! 

How many different rites have these gray old temples known! 
To the mind what dreams are written in these chronicles of 

stone ! 
What terror and what error, what gleams of love and truth, 
Have flashed from Ireland since the world was in its youth ? 

Here blazed the sacred fire, and, when the sun was gone, 

As a star from afar to the traveler it shone ; 

And the warm blood of the victim have these gray old temples 

drunk, 
And the death-song of the Druid and the matin of the Monk. 

Here was placed the holy chalice that held the sacred wine, 
And the gold cross from the altar, and the relics from the 

shrine, 
And the miter shining brighter with its diamonds than the 

East, 
And the crosier of the Pontiff, and the vestments of xhe Priest! 

Where blazed the sacred fire, rung out the vesper bell, — 
Where the fugitive found shelter, became the hermitls cell; 
And hope hung out its symbol to the innocent and good, 
For the Cross o'er the moss of the pointed summit stood! 

There may it stand forever, while this symbol doth impart 
To the mind one glorious vision, or one proud throb to the heart; 
While the breast needeth rest may these gray old temples last, 
Bright prophets of the future, as preachers of the past! 



138 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE FOUR-LEAVED SHAMROCK.— Continued. 

The heart that had been mourning 

O'er vanished dreams of love, 
Should see them all returning, 

Like Noah's faithful dove. 
And IIope should launch her blessed bark 

On Sorrow's darkening sea. 
And Mis'ry's children have au Ark, 

.11,1 saved from sinking be. 
Oh! thus I'd play the enchanter's part; 

Thus scatter bliss around, 
And not a tear nor aching heart 

Should in the world be found, 

Should in the world be found. 



.MIKE'S COURTSHIP. 

" Come sit by the fire, Mike Mahoney, 
And draw up your chair by the blaze, 

It's a foine place ye have, altogether," 
Said Micky, takin' his aise. 

" An' it's not so bad, Mister Mahoney 
( Pace to the soul of poor Pat ! ) " 

Says the widdy, fetchin' the rocker 
Nearer to where Mickey sat. 

" Wid the pig an' the nate little shanty, 
The praty-pateh — sure, and it's ripe — 

An' the purtiest widdy, be jabbers! "'' 
Said Micky, lighting his pipe. 

" Git out wid ye, Micky Mahoney," 
Said the widdy, twitchin' her chair. 

" Git out, whin ye axed me to inter ? " 
Cried Mick, boldly stroking her hair. 

" Would ye lave a man sad and distressful, 
As howly Saint Peter would say; 

' Jest a pa'pe at sweet heaven I'll give ye,^ 
An' git out,' when he axed me to stay? " 

" Now, Mick," said the widdy, " 'tain't dacint, 
Wid the stone not yit on Pat's head." 

" Axin' pardon," said Mick, " but Pat's since- 
less! 
Your smilin' would waken the dead! " 

" Oh, Mickey, don't, don't be onfeelin' ! 

Ah, whirra! me heart is so sore!" 
'• There, there, swatest Mollie, stop wailin'," 

An' Micky wint down on the floor. 

'■ Come, be mv own darlint, me Mollie, 

An' lave off the grievin'. Come, whist! 

An' before the sad widdy could hinder, 
She was smilin', an' poutin', an' kissed! 

>i Micky moved into the shanty. 

u'id the widdy, an' praties, an' pig, 
Said he: " Pace to the soul of poor Patrick! " 
When he passed round the jug at the jig. 

Said the widdy, a tear on her lashes: 
" \h, Micky's the broth of a b'hy ; 

While me heart is a-breaKin- for Patrick 
Ale body is thrillin' wid joy! " 



ORANGE AND GREEN. 

The night was falling dreary in merry Bandon town, 
When, in his cottage, weary, an Orangeman lay down. 

The summer sun in splendor had set upon the vale, 

And shouts of: "No surrender! " arose upon the gale. 

Beside the waters laving the feet of aged trees, 

The Orange banner waving, flew boldly in the breeze — 

In mighty chorus meeting, a hundred voices joined, 

And life and drum were beating the Battle of the Boyne. 

Ha! tow'rd his cottage hieing, what form is speeding now, 
From yonder thicket flying, with blood upon his brow? 

" Hide: — hide me. worthy stranger, though green my color be, 
And in the day of danger may Heaven remember thee! 

" In yonder vale contending alone against that crew, 
Mv life and limbs defending, an Orangeman I slew. 

Hark ! hear that fearful warning, there's death in every tone — 
Oh, save my life till morning, and Heaven prolong your own!'' 

The Orange heart was melted in pity to the Green; 

He heard the tale, and felt it his very soul within. 
"Dread not that angry warning though death be in its tone — 

I'll save your life till morning, or I will lose my own." 

Now 'round his lowly dwelling the angry torrent press'd, 
A hundred voices swelling, the Orangeman addressed — 

"Arise — arise, and follow the chase along the plain! 
In yonder stony hollow your only son is slain! " 

With rising shouts they gather upon the track amain, 

And leave the childless father aghast with sudden pain. 
He seeks the righted stranger, in covert where he lay — 

"Arise! " he said, "all danger is gone and past away! 

i 
" I had a son — one only, one loved as my life, 

Thy hand has left me lonely, in that accursed strife. 
I pledged my word to save thee until the storm should cease. 

I kept the pledge I gave thee — arise, and go in peace! " 

The stranger soon departed from that unhappy vale ; 

The father, broken-hearted, lay brooding o'er the tale. 
Full twenty summers after, to silver turned his beard; 

And yet the sound of laughter from him was never heard. 

The night was falling dreary in merry Wexford town. 

When in his cabin, weary, a peasant laid him down. 
And many a voice was singing along the summer vale, 

And Wexford town was ringing with shouts of: " Granna 
Uile." 

Beside the waters, laving the feet of aged trees. 

The green flag, gaily waving, was spread against the breeze — 
In mighty chorus meeting, loud voices filled the town. 

And fife and drum were beating, Doicn, Orangeman, lie down! 

Hark! "mid the stirring clangor that woke the echoes there. 

Loud voices, high in anger, rise on the evening air, 
Like billows of the ocean, he sees them hurry on — 

And 'mid the wild commotion, an Orangeman alone. 

"My hair." he said, "is hoary, and feeble is my hand. 
And I could tell a story would shame your cruel band. 

Full twenty years and over have changed my heart and brow. 
And 1 am grown a lo\er of peace and concord now. 

" It was not thus I greeted your brother of the Green; 

When, fainting and defeated, I freely look him in. 
I pledged my word to save him from vengeance rushing on, 

I kept the pledge I gave him, though he had Killed my son." 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



139 



ORANGE AND GREEN.— Continued. 

That aged peasant heard him, and knew him as he stood, 
Remembrance kindly stirr'd him, and tender gratitude. 

With gushing tears of pleasure, he pierced the listening train — 
"I'm here to pay the measure of kindness back again! " 

Upon his bosom falling, that old man's tears came down; 

Deep memory recalling the cot and fatal town. 
"The hand that would offend thee, my being first shall end; 

I'm living to defend thee, my savior and my friend! " 

He said, and slowly turning, address'd the wondering crowd, 
With fervent spirit burning, he told the tale aloud. 

Now pressed the warm beholders, their aged foe to greet; 

They raised him on their shoulders and chaired him through 
the street. 

As lie had saved that stranger from peril scowling dim, 
So in his day of danger did Heav'n remember him. 

By joyous crowds attended, the worthy pair were seen. 

And their flags that day were blended of Orange and of Green. 

HOLYCROSS ABBEY. 

" From the high sunny headlands of Bere in the west, 

To the bowers that by Shannon's blue waters are blest, 

I am master unqucstion'd and absolute " — said 

The lord of broad Munster — King Donald the Red — 

" A ad now that my sceptre's no longer the sword, 

In the wealthiest vale my dominions afford, 

I will build me a temple of praise to that Power 

Who buckler'd my breast in the battle's dread hour." 

He spoke — it was done — -and with pomp such as glows 

Round a sunrise in summer that Abbey arose. 

There sculpture, her miracles lavish'd around, 

Until stone spoke a worship diviner than sound. 

There from matins to midnight the censers were swaying, 
And from matins to midnight the people were praying; 
As a thousand Cistercians incessantly raised 
Hosannas round shrines that with jewejry blazed; 
While the palmer from Syria — the pilgrim from Spain, 
Brought their offerings alike to the far-honor'd fane; 
And, in time, when the wearied O'Brien laid down 
At the feet of Death's Angel his cares and his crown, 
Beside the high altar a canopied tomb 
Shed above his remains its magnificent gloom, 
And in Holyeross Abbey high masses were said, 
Through the lapse of long ages, for Donald the Red. 

In the days of my musings, I wander'd alone, 

To this Fane that had flour ish'd ere Norman was known; 

And its dread desolation was saddening to see, 

For its towers were an emblem, O Erin, of thee! 

All was glory in ruins — below and above — 

From the traeeried turret that shelter'd the dove, 

To the cloisters dim stretching in distance away, 

Where the fox skulks at twilight in quest of his prey. 

Here soar'd the vast chancel superbly alone, 

While pillar and pinnacle moulder'd around — 
There, the choir's richest fretwork in dust overthrown, 

With corbel and chapiter " cumber'd the ground." 

O'er the porphyry shrine of the Founder all riven, 
No lamps glimmer'd now but the cressets of heaven — 

From the tombs of crusader, and abbot, and saint, 
Emblazonry, scroll, and escutcheon were rent ; 
While usurping their banners' high places, o'er all 
The Ivy — dark mourner — suspended her pall. 
With a deeper emotion the spirit would thrill, 

In beholding wherever the winter and rain 
Swept the dust from the relics it cover'd — that still 

Some hand had religiously glean'd them again. 
Then I turn'd from the scene, as I mournfully said — 
" God's rest to the soul of King Donald the Red." 



WHAT WILL YOU DO, LOVE? 

What will you do, love, when I am going, 
With white sail Bowing, 
To seas beyond? 
What will you do, love, whi n wives divide us, 
And friends may chide us, 
For being fond? 
Though waves divide us, and friends be chid- 
ing, 

In faith abiding, 
I'll still be true. 
And I'll pray for thee on stormy ocean, 
In deep devotion — 

That's what I'll do! 

What would you do, love, if distant tidings, 
Thy fond confidings 
Should undermine; 
And I abiding 'neath sultry skies, 

Should think other eyes. 

Were as bright as thine? 
Oh, name it not, though guilt and shame 
Were on thy name, 
I'd still be true; 
But that heart of thine, should another share 
it, 

I could not bear it — 
What would I do? 

What would you do, when home returning, 
With hopes high burning, 
With wealth for you — 
If my bark, that bounded o'er foreign foam, 
Should be lost near home — 
Ah, what would you do? 
So thou wert spared, I'd bless the morrow, 
In want and sorrow, 
That left me yon ; 
And I'd welcome thee from the wasting billow,. 
My heart thy pillow! 
That's what I'd do. 

AVONDHU. 

Oh, Avondhu, I wish I were 

As once upon that mountain bare. 

W T here thy young waters laugh and shine 

On the wild breast of Meenganine. 

I wish I were by Cleada's hill, 

Or by Glenruachra's rushy rill; 

But no! I never more shall view 

Those scenes I loved by Avondhu. 

Farewell, ye soft and purple streaks 
Of evening on the beauteous Reeks; 
Farewell, ye mists, that loved to ride 
On Cahirbearna's stormy side. 
Farewell, November's moar.i: I 
Wild minstrel of the dying trees; 
Clara! a fond farewell to yoi , 
No more we meet by Avondhu. 

No more — but thou, glorious hill, 
Lift to the moon thy forehead still; 
Flow on, flow on, thou dark swift river, 
Upon thy free wild course forever. 
Exult, young hearts, in lifetime's spring, 
And taste the joys pure love can bring; 
But wanderer, go, they're not for you — 
Farewell, farewell, sweet Avondhu. 



140 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



LARRY'S ON THE FORCE. 

Well. Katie, and is tins yersilf? And where was you this 

whoile? 
And ain't ye dhrissed! You are the wan to illusthrate the 

stoile ! 
Bat never moind thim mattheis now — there's toime enough for 

thim : 
And Larry— that's me by — I want to shpake to you av him. 
Sine, Larry bates thim all for luck! — 'tis he will make his way, 
And be the proide and honnur to the sod beyant the say; 
We'll soon be able — whist! 1 do be singin' till I'm hoorse, 
For iver since a month or more, my Larry's on the foorce! 

There's not a proivate gintleman that boords in all the row 
Who houlds himself loike Larry does, or makes as foine a show, 
Thim eyes av his, the way they shoine, his coat and butthons 

too — 
He bates them kerrige dhroivers that be on the avenue! 

He shtips that proud and shtately-loike, you'd think he owned 

the town, 
And houlds his shtick convanient to be tappin' some wan down— 
Aich blissed day, I watch to see him comin' up the shtrate, 
For, by the greatest bit av luck, our house is on his bate. 

The little b'ys is feared av him, for Larry's moighty shtrict, 

And mam's the little blagyard he's arristed, I expict ; 

The beggyars gets acrass the shtrate — you ought to see thim 

fly— 
And organ-groindhers scatthers whin they see him comin' by. 

I know that Larry's bound to roise, he'll get a sergeant's post, 
And afther that a captincy widhin a year at most, 
And av he goes in politics he has the head to throive — 
I'll be an Aldherwonian, Katae, afore I'm thirty-foive? 
What's that again? Y'are jokin', surely, — Kate, is it thrue? 
Last noight, you say, he — married? and Alleen O'Donahue? 
O Larry, c'u'd ye have the hairt — but let the spalpeen be; 
Ay he demaneshmsilf to her, he's nothing more to me. 

The ugly shcamp! I alwas said, just as I'm tellin' you, 
That Larry was the biggest fool av all I iver knew; 
And many a toime I've tould mesilf — you see it now, av coorse — 
He'd niver come to anny good av he got on the foorce. 

THE GOAT. 

Oh! now my dear friends, I'm going to relate, 
If you pay attention, you've not long to wait; 
My father lived in a place called Graymote, 
He'd a sow, and a cow, and a fine billy goat. 

This goat, sure, he had a queer, curious way, 

He'd go out each morning and stop out all day; 

When he'd come home at night, like a bull he would roar, 

Till my father got up for to open the door. 

One day we sat down, and was going to ate, 

The goat leaped on the table and shtole all the mate : 

And without saying a word, shure the dirty ould gommagh, 

He druv his two horns in my poor father's stomach. 

Says me mother to me, " Jamsey." " Yis, ma'am," says I. 
" fake the goat to the market, and sell him, now try: " 
The words she scarce spoke, when the goat gave a jump, 
And struck me mother, oh, gorra ! such a murthering thump. 

Then all in the house bate a hasty retrate, 

And the goat 1 eked away at the divil's own rate: 

He spied in v father's coal hanging up, gave a bawl. 

Made a charge on the " frize," and druv his head in the wall. 

Some tini" afther they went to look for the goat. 
They searched all around, till they came to the coat; 

Bui' all of the gnat that was left the ne\t day. 

Was only the shtump of his tail, and it bucking away. 



A SHAMROCK FROM THE IRISH SHORE. 

0, Postman ! speed thy tardy gait — 

Go quicker round from door to door; 
For thee I watch, for thee I wait, 

Like many a weary wanderer more. 
Thou bringest news of bale and bliss — 

Some life begun, some life well o'er. 
He stops— he rings! — O Heaven! what's this? 

A shamrock from the Irish shore! 

Dear emblem of my native land. 

By fresh fond words kept fresh and green; 
The pressure of an unfelt hand — 

The kisses of a lip unseen ; 
A throb from my dead mother's heart — 

My father's smile revived once more — 
Oh, youth! oh, love! oh, hope thou art, 

Sweet Shamrock from the Irish shore! 

Enchanter, with thy wand of power, 

Thou mak'st the past be present still: 
The emerald lawn — the lime-leaved bower — 

The circling shore — the sunlit hill ; 
The grass, in winter's wintriest hours, 

By dewy daisies dimpled o'er, 
Half hiding, 'neath their trembling llowers, 

The Shamrock of the Irish shore! 

And thus, where'er my footsteps strayed, 

By queenly Florence, kingly Rome — 
By Padua's long and lone arcade — 

By Ischia's fires and Adria's foam — 
By Spezzia's fatal waves that kissed 

My poet sailing calmly o'er ; 
By all, by each, I mourned and missed 

The Shamrock of the Irish shore! 

I saw the palm-tree stand aloof, 

Irresolute "twixt the sand and sea ; 
I saw upon the trellised roof 

Outspread the wine that was to be; 
A giant-flowered and glorious tree 

I saw the tall magnolia soar ; 
But there, even there, I longed for thee, 

Poor Shamrock of the Irish shore ! 

Now on the ramparts of Boulogne, 

As lately by the lonely Ranee, 
At evening as 1 watched the sun, 

I look! I dream! Can this be France? 
Not Albion's cliffs, how near they be, 

He seems to love to linger o'er; 
But gilds, by a remoter sea. 

The Shamrock on the Irish shore! 

I'm with him in that wholesome clime — 
That fruitful soil, that verdurous sod — 
Have still a simple faith in God. 

Hearts that in pleasure and in pain, 

\\ here hearts unstained by vulgar crime 
The more they're trod rebound the more, 

Like thee, when wet with Heaven's own rain, 
Shamrock of the Irish shore! 

Memorial of my native land. 

True emblem of my land and race — 
Thy small and tender leaves expand, 

But only in thy native place. 
Thou needesl for thyself and seed 

Soft dews around, kind sunshine o'er; 
transplant) rl the merest weed, 

Shamrock of the Irish shore! 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



141 



A SHAMROCK FROM THE IRISH SHORE.-Coni'rf. 

Here on the tawny fields of Fiance, 

Or in the rank, red English clay, 
Thou showest a stronger form, perchance; 

A bolder front thou may'st display, 
More able to resist the scythe 
But tnen thou art no more the Wythe 

That cut so keen, so sharp before; 

Bright Shamrock of the Irish shore: 

Ah, me! to think thy scorns, thy slights, 

Thy trampled tears, thy nameless grave 
On Fredericksburg's ensanguined heights, 

Or by Potomac's purple wave! 
Ah. me! to think that power malign 

Thus turns thy sweet green sap to gore, 
And what calm rapture might be thine, 

Sweet Shamrock of the Irish shore! 

Struggling, and yet for strife unmeet, 
Tine type of trustful love thou art; 

Thou iiesc the whole year at my feet, 
To live but one day at my heart. 

One day of festal pride to lie 

Upon the loved one's heart — what more? 

Upon the loved one's heart to die, 

Shamrock of the Irish shore! 

And shall I not return thy love? 

And shalt thou not, as thou shouldst, be 
Placed on thy son's proud heart above 

The red rose or the fleur-de-lis? 
Yes, from these heights the waters beat, 

1 vow to press thy cheek onee more, 
And lie forever at thy feet, 

Shamrock of the Irish shore! 



YOU REMEMBER ELLEN! 

You remember Ellen, our hamlet's pride, 

How meekly she blest her humble lot, 
When the stranger, William, had made her his 
bride. 

And love was the light of their lowly cot. 
Together they toiled through winds and rains, 

Till William at length in sadness said: 
'• We must seek our fortune on other plains! '"' 

Then sighing, she left her lowly shed. 

They roamed a long and weary way, 

Nor much was the maiden's heart at ease, 
When now, at close of one stormy clay. 

They see a proud castle among the trees. 
" To-night," said the youth, "we'll shelter 
there. 

The wind blows cold, the hour is late! " 
So he blew the horn with a chieftain's air, 

And the porter bowed as they passed the 
gate. 
"Now welcome, lady! " exclaimed the youth, 

"This castle is thine, and these dark woods 
all." 
She believed him crazed, but his words were 
truth. 

For Ellen is Lady of Rosna Hall. 
And dearly the Lord of Rosna loves 

What William, the stranger, wooed and wed ; 
And the light of bliss, in these lordly groves, 

Shines pure as it did in tfie lowly shed. 



NORAH O'NEAL. 

On, I'm lonely to-night, love, without you, 

And I sigh for one glance of j'our eye; 
For sure there's a charm, love, about you, 

\\ henever I know you are nigh. 
Like the beam of the star when 'tis smiling, 

is the glance which your eye can't conceal; 
And your voice is so sweet and beguiling, 

That I love you, sweet Norah O'Neal. 



Chorus. 

Oh, don't think that ever I'll doubt you, my love, I will never con- 
ceal; 

I'm lonely to-night, love, without vou, my darling sweet Norah 
O'Neal. 

Oh, the nightingale sings in the wildwood, 

As if every note that he knew 
Was learned from your sweet voice in childhood, 

To remind me, sweet Norah, of you. 
But 1 think, love, so often about you, 

And you don't know how happy I feel; 
But I'm lonely to-night, love, without you, 

My darling, sweet Norah O'Neal. 

Oh, why should I weep tears of sorrow? 

Oh, why let hope lose its place? 
Won't 1 meet you, my darling, to-morrow, 

And smile on your beautiful face? 
Will you meet me? oh, say will you meet me 

With a kiss at the foot of the lane: 
And I'll promise, whenever you greet me, 

That I'll never be lonely again. 



THE SWEET SONGS OF ERIN ASTHORE. 

On where is the true Irish heart that don't beat 

With rapture, and sweet ecstasy. 

When he I is! ens with joy, to the loved songs of home, 

Filled with romance and sweet melody. 

Their notes thrill the heart, of the wanderer that roams 

Far away from his dear native shore; 

And the one only solace that cheers him through life, 

Are the sweet songs of Erin asthore. 

Refraix. 



"Come back to Erin, Oh Kathleen Mavourneen," 
Their music so grand, thrills my heart o'er and o'er, 
The world knows no sweeter, no grander, or purer 
Sweet songs, than the loved ones of Erin asthore. 

How well I remember those days long ago, 

Ere I left my loved country to roam ; 

All the boys, and the girls, (hey would gather at eve, 

On the old village green by my home. 

How their sweet voices rang, as the old songs they sang, 

Oh I long for to live those days o'er; 

But their mem'ries I'll hold, till the day that I die, 

With the sweet songs of Erin asthore. 



Refrain. 

" Come back to Erin, Oh Kathleen Mavourneen," 
Their music so grand, thrills my heart o'er and o'er, 
The world knows no sweeter, no grander, or purer 
Sweet songs, than the loved ones of Erin asthore. 



142 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



SHANE DYMAS' DAUGHTER. 

It was the eve of holy St. Bride, 

The Abbey bells were ring 
And (he meek-eyed nuns at eventide 

The vesper hymns were singing. 
Alone, by the well of good St. Bride, 

A novice fair was kneeling! 
And there seem'd not o'er her soul to glide 

One shade of earthly feeling. 

For ne'er did that clear and sainted well 

Refieel . I om its crj stal water, 
A form more fair than the shadow that fell 

from O'Niall's lovely daughter. 
Her eye was brighl ;is the blue concave, 

Ami beaming with devotion; 
Her bosom fair as the foam on the wave 

Of Erin's rolling ocean. 

Yet O! forgive her that starting tear; 

From home and kindred riven, 
Fair Kathleen, many a long, long year, 

.Must be the Bride of Heaven. 
Her beads were told, and the moonlight shone 

Sw lllan Water, 

When 1' r path was cross'd by a holy nun; — 

" Uenediete, fair daughter! 

Fair Kathleen started — well did she know — 

O what will not love discover! 
Her country's scourge, and her father's foe, — 

'Twas the voice of her Saxon lover. 
"Raymond! " — "Oh hush, my Kathleen dear, 

My path's beset with danger; 
But cast not, love, those looks of fear 

Upon thy dark-haired stranger. 

"My red roan steed's in yon Culdee grove, 

My bark is out at sea, love! 
My boat is moored in the ocean cove; 

Then haste away with me, love! 
My father has sworn my hand shall be 

To Sidney's daughter given ; 
And thine, to-morrow will offer thee 

A sacrifice to heaven. 

" But away, my love, away with me! 

The breeze to the west is blowing; 
And thither, across the dark-blue sea, 

Are England's bravest going. 
To a land where the breeze from the orange bowers 

Comes over the exile's sorrow, 
Like the light-wing'd dreams of his early hours 

Or his hope of a happier morrow. 

" And there, in some valley's loneliness, 

By wood and mountain shaded, 
We'll live in the light of wedded bliss, 

Till the lamp of life be faded. 
Then thither with me, my Kathleen, fly! 

The storms of life we'll weather, 
Till in bliss beneath the western sky, 

We live, love, die together! " — 

" Die, Saxon, now ! " — At that fiend-like yell 

An hundred swords are gleaming: 
Down the bubbling stream, from the tainted well, 

His heart's best blood is streaming. 
In vain does he doff the hood so white, 

And vain his falchion flashing: 
Five murderous brands through his corslet bright 

Within his heart are clashing! 



OLD IRELAND'S HEARTS AND HANDS. 

Erin, home of lovely scenes, 
O land of love and song! 

In joy once more my loud heart leans 

On thee, so true and strong; 
For like a restless bird I've strayed, 

And oft on far-off stran - , 

1 dreamed of "love-knots" years have made 
With Ireland's hearl d hands. 

Chorus. 

sweetheart Erin! good old land! 
Tho' near or far 

1 love them all, thy hear) an.' hand, 
I love thy si .\ ; 

Old Ireland's hearts and hands! 
< >ld Ireland's he;u rids! 

sweethearl Erin! good old land! 
1 love thy h( arts ■ nd i 

welcome was thy In i shore, 

That rose upon my si 
Like dawn upon the wave once more 

To chase the long, Ion:: night : 
For tho' in many an hour of joy 

1 wove the tendril bands 

Of friendships great, th i < mid cloy 

Old Ireland's hearts and hands. 

O rimmed wil bright, 

Thy em'rald b lauty set, 
Within my heart gave gleams of light, 

And 1 could no! 
For this I prayed with many a tear, 

Alone in distant lands, 
The starry hour that rives me here 

Old Ireland's hearts and hands. 

ROSE OF KILLARNEY. 

Oh! promise to meet me where twilight is fall- 
ing 
Beside the bright waters that slumber so 
fair; 
Each bird in the meadow your name will be 
calling, 
And every sweet rosebud will look for you 
there. 
It's morning and evening for you I am sighing; 
The heart in my bosom is yours evermore; 
I'll watch for you, darling, when daylight is 
dying, 
Sweet rose of Killarney, Mavournecn 
Asthore. 

My heart is a nest that is robbed and forsaken. 
When gone from my sight is the girl that 1 
love ; 
One word from your lips can my gladness 
awaken — 
Your smile is the smile of the angels aliovp. 
Then meet me at twilight, beside the bright 
waters : 
The love that I've told you, I'd whisper 
once more : 
Oh! sweetest and fairest of F.rin's fair 
daughters, 
Dear rose of Killarney, Mavourneen Aathore. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



14? 



SHANE DYMAS' DAUGHTER. -Continued. 

His last groan echoing through the grove, 

His life blood on the water, 
He dies, — thy first and thy only iovc, 

O'Niall's hapless daughter! 
Vain, vain, was the shield of that breast of snow! 

In \ain thai eye would sustain him, 
Through his Kathleen's heart the murderous blow 

Too deadly aimed, has slain him. 

Th<- spirit lied with the red, red blood 

fast gushing from her bosom; 
The blast of death has blighted the bud 

Erin's loveliest blosso a! 
"i'is morn; — in the deepest <ionbt and dread 

any houi s are roll i. 
N( Si e the requiem for the dead, 

Or knell of the death-bell tolling. 

'Tis dead of night — not a sound is heard, 

Save from the night-wind sighing; 
Or tne mournful moan of the midnight bird, 

To you pale planet crying. 
Who names the name of his murder 'd child? 

What spears to the moon are glancing? 
'Tis the vengeful cry of Shane Dynias wild, 

His bonnaeht-men advancing. 

Saw ye that cloud o'er the moonlight cast, 

Fire from its blackness breaking? 
Heard ye that cry on the midnight blast, 

The voice of terror shrieking? 
'Tis the fire from Ardsaillach's willow'd height, 

Tower and temple falling; 
'Tis the groan of death, and the cry of fright, 

From monks for mercy calling! 



SMIGGY MAGLOORAL. 

There was a man lived in the West, 

Musha dural ling, du ral laddy, 0! 

Arrah ! he married a maid, she was none the best, 

But he'd sooner have her than all the rest ; 



Chorus. 

And her name was Noral, Maggie Noral, 
Dingy dural, Smig. Maglooral, walk off. 

Arrah ! she goes to bed at eleven o'clock, 
Musha dural ling, du ral laddy, O! 
And she calls the maid for to wind the clock, 
For she milked the cow from the chimney top. 

She sat on grass till she caught the cramp, 

Musha dural ling, du ral laddy, O! 

They built a tent out of her hoops, 

And they brought her to with some turtle soup. 

Now this morning she arose from her sweet repose, 
Musha dural ling, du ral laddy, O! 
Arrah! she puts on her clothes, and it's out she goes, 
She meets one of her foes, his name was Mose. 
She tread on his toes, and a quarrel arose, 
Which came to blows, and the science she shows; 
But in the putter she goes, as you may suppose, 
And it's quick she arose, and it's home she goes. 
For to dream of her woes, for what she knows, 
She knows, she knows. 



MY EMMET'S NO MORE. 

Despair in her wild eye, a daughter of Erin 
Appeared on the cliffs of the bleak, rocky 
shore ; 

Loose in the wind flowed her dark streaming 
ringlets. 
And heedless she gazed on tne dread surge's 
roar. 

Loud rang her harp in wild tones of despair- 
ing, 

The time passed away with the present com- 
paring, 

And in soul-thrilling strains deeper sorrow de- 
claring, 
She sang Erin's woes and her Emmet no 
more. 

Oh, Erin, my country, your glory's departed, 
For tyrants and traitors have stabbed thy 
heart's core ; 
Thy daughters have laved in the streams of 
afflict ion, 
Thy patriots have fled, or lie stretched in 
their gore. 
Ruthless ruffians now prowl thro' thy hamlets 

forsaken. 
From pale, hungry orphans their last morsel 

have taken ; 
The screams of thy females no pity awaken, 
Alas! my poor country, your Emmet's no 
more. 

Brave was his spirit, yet mild as the Brahmin, 
His heart bled in anguish the wrongs of the 
poor ; 
To relieve their hard sufferings he braved 
every danger, 
The vengeance of tyrants undauntedly b 
Even before him the proud titled villains in 

power 
Were seen, though in ermine, in terror to 

cower ; 
But, alas! he is gone, he has fallen, a young 
flower, 
They have murdered my Emmet, my Em- 
met's no more. 

MAGGIE'S SECRET. 

Oh! many a time I am sad at heart, 

And I haven't a word to say; 
And I keep from the lads and the lasses apart, 

In the meadows a-making hay. 
But Willie will bring me the first wild rose, 

In my new sun-bonnet to wear; 
And Robin will wait at the keeper's gate, 

For he follows me everywhere — 
But I tell them they needn't come wooing to 

me, 
For my heart — my heart is over the sea. 

Two summers ago, when a brave ship sailed 

Far away to the golden West; 
Oh! nobody knew that my heart went, too, 

For the secret I ne'er confessed. 
A mother took leave of her boy that day, 

I could hear her sob and cry, 
As I followed her back to her dreary home, 

But never a word said I — 
But you see that they needn't come wooing to 

me, 
For my heart — my heart is over the sea. 



144 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



MAGGIE'S SECRET.— Continued. 



I sat by his mother, one midsummer day, 

And 'she looked me through and through, 
As she spoke of her lad who was far away— 

For she guessed that I loved him, too. 
She turned to me fondly, and whispered low, 

I was worthy her sailor-boy. 
My foolish tears they began to flow, 

Though my heart beat high with joy — 
So, you see, that they needn't come wooing to 

me, 
For my heart — my heart is over the sea. 

WHERE THE GRASS GROWS GREEN. 

I'm Denny Blake, from the County Clare, 

And here at your command, 
To sing a song in praise of home, 

My own. my native land. 
I've sailed to foreign countries, 

And in many climes I've been, 
But my heart' is still with Erin, 

Where the grass grows green. 



Chorus. 

I love my native country. 

And tho' richer lands I've seen, 
Yet I can't forget ould Erin, 

Where the grass grows green. 

Poor Pat is often painted 

With a ragged coat and hat; 
His heart and hospitality 

Has much to do with that. 
Let slanderers say what they will, 

They cannot call him mean ; 
Sure a stranger's always welcome 

Where the grass grows green. 

He's foolish, but not vicious, 

His faults I won't defend; 
His purse to help the orphan, 

His life to serve a friend. 
He'll give without a murmur, 

So his follies try and screen; 
For there's noble hearts in Erin, 

Whire the grass grows green. 

'Tis true he has a weakness 

For a drop of something pure, 
But that's a slight debility 

That many more endure. 
He's fond of fun, he's witty. 

Though his wit 'tis not too keen, 
For there's feeling hearts in Erin, 

Where the grass grows green. 

There's not a true-born Irishman, 

Wherever he may be. 
But loves the little emerald 

That sparkles on the sea. 
May the sun of bright prosperity 
And bring better days to Erin, 

Shine peaceful and serene 

Where the grass grows green. 



ST. PATRICK'S DAY. 

The white and the orange, the blue and green, boys, 

We'll blend them together in concord to-night; 
The orange most sweei amid green leaves is seen, boys, 
The loveliest pansy is blue and white. 
The light of the day, 
As it glides away. 
Paints with orange the white clouds that float in the west: 
And the billows thai roar 
Round our own island shore 
Lay their green heads to rest on the blue heaven's bosom, 

Where sky and sea meet in the distance awaj : _ 
As Nature thus shows us how well she can fuse 'em, 
We'll blend ihem in love on St. Patrick's Day. 

The hues of the prism, philosophers say, boys, 

Are nought but the sunlight resolved into parts: 
They're beauteous, no doubt; but I think that the ray, M»ys, 
Unbroken, more lights up and warms our hearts. 
Each musical tone, 
Struck one by one, 
Makes melody sweet, it is true, on the ear — 
But let the hand ring 
All at once every string — 
And, oh! there is harmony now that is glorious, 

In unison pealing to heaven away; 
For union is beauty, and strength victorious, 
In hues, tones, or hearts, on St. Patrick's Day. 

Those hues in our bosoms be sure to unite, boys; 

Let each Irish heart wear those emblems so true ; 
Be fresh as the green, and be pure as the white, boys, 
Be bright as the orange, sincere as blue. 
I care not a jot 
Be your scarf white or not. 
If you love as a brother each child of the soil; 
I ask not your creed, 
If you'll stand in her need 
To the land of your birth in the hour of her dolours, 

The toe of her toes, let them be who they may; 
Then. " Fusion of hearts, and confusion of colors! " 
Be the Irishman's toast on St. Patrick's Day. 

NORA11 CREINA. 
Who are you that walks this way so like the Empress Dejanina? 
Is it true' what people sav, that you're the famous Shilnagirah! 
Or are you the greal Pompey! or Britain's Queen, bold Til- 

bureena? 
Or are you Dido, or Doctor Magee! oh no, says she, Im Noran 

Creina! 

Chorus. 
I'm the girl that makes the stir from Cork along to Skibbrreena : 
All the day we drink strong tea. and whisky, too. says Norah 

( Ireina. 
Who are you that ax my name? Othello, Wat Tyler or .Julius 

Or are you Venus, of bright fame! or that old fogy Nebuchad- 
nezzar'.' 

Or maybe you are Pluto stout, or jolly old Bacchus, drunk and 
hearty, 

There, my lass, your eye is out, for I am Napoleon Bonaparte. 

Won't you dine with me to-day? I'll send for you a horse and 

crupper, 
And, lest you should refuse to stay, T'll tell you who well have 

for supper: 
Macgillicuddv of the Reeks, and Donaghue Glen, the Duke of 

Olo'ster, 
Oliver Cromwell and Brian O'Lynn, Cadwallader Waddy and 

Leslie Foster. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



145 



PADDY'S CURIOSITY SHOP. 

Did you hear tell of Paddy's museum, 

It's ancient and modern antiquities; 
If not, when ye hear, ye'll see 'em, 

Of their fame all old Ireland speaks. 
I was always considered a lover 

Of antiquities, sure, from my birth, 
And did somehow or other discover 

What nobody else could on earth. 

Chords. 

So don't talk about Barnum's museum, 
If in passin' mj' house you will stop, 

There's things you'll be struck for to see 'em, 
l'n Paddy's curiosity shop. 

I've been twinty-nine times 'round the globe, 

And niver took sleep night or day ; 
I've had double the patience uv Job, 

To bring all these relics away. 
With great kindness I have been treated, 

I've bin twice kilt and shot into, too, 
You'll belave it all whin I've related 

My list of curiosities through. — Chorus. 

The relic I take the most pride on 

Is ould Mother Shipton's birch broom, 
The one the ould girl would fly stride on 

When she din'd wid the man in the moon. 
And I've got the mattock and spade 

With which Adam the ground cultivated; 
And an ould lurrin' coin that was made 

Before the world was created. — Chorus. 

I've a walking-stick not very pliant, 

Don' fancy I'm pitchin' it strong; 
It belong'd to the Irish giant, 

An' it's just two-and-thirty feet long; 
I've his boots, too, and they are like towers, 

A coach you might inside them drive; 
If you'd fall in one, och ! by the powers, 

Ye'd niver be got out alive. — Chorus. 

I've the bustle of Jupiter's mother, 

An' Vanus, the goddess', stays; 
An' 1 ve got the steel pen an' no other, 

Wid which Shakespeare wrote all his plays. 
I've got Dr. Dodd's kitchen table, 

I've the brains of the famed larned pig; 
I've the roof off the tower o' Bable. 

An' an Irish Ambassador's wig. — Chorus. 

I've got a froze flame from Mount .Etna, 

That was caught by a man passing by; 
I've a sly cupid's dart, forged at Gretna, 

An' the lash of Pope Gregory's eye; 
I've the toe-nail of ugly Mohamet, 

I've the whiskers of Whittington's cat; 
I've got Miss Queen Elizabeth's bonnet, 

An' ould Mother Hubbard's cock'd hat. — Chorus. 

I've got all sorts of relics and stones, 

I've got patched coats widout any stitches; 
I've a portion of Gulliver's bones. 

An' a pair uv King David's old breeches. 
I'll conclude now, because my physician 

Says singing too much turns the brain; 
But I'll give you the second edition 

Some night when you drop in again. — Chorus, 
io 



THE ROCK OF CAS 1 1 EL. 

Fair was that eve, as if from earth away 

All trace of sin and sorrow 
Passed, in the light of the eternal day, 

That knows no night nor morrow. 

The pale and shadowy mountains in the dim 

And glowing distance piled ! 
A sea of light along the horizon's rim, 

Unbroken, undefiled! 

Blue sky, and cloud, and grove, and hill, and 
glen, 

The form and face of man 
Beamed with unwonted beauty, as if then 

New earth and heaven began. 

Yet heavy grief was on me, and I gazed 

On thee through gushing tears, 
Thou relic of a glory that once blazed 

So bright in bygone years ! 

Wreck of a ruin ! lovelier, holier far, 

Thy ghastly hues of death, 
Than the cold forms of newer temples are — 

Shrines of a priestless faith. 

In lust and rapine, treachery and blood, 

Its iron domes were built; 
Darkly they frown, where God's own altars 
stood, 

In hatred and in guilt. 

But to make thee, of loving hearts the love, 

Was coined to living stone ; 
Truth, peace, and piety together strove 

To form thee for their own. 

And thou wast theirs, and they within thee 
met, 
And did thy presence fill; 
And their sweet light, even while thine own 
is set, 
Hovers around thee still. 

'Tis not work of mind, or hand, or eye, 

Builder's or sculptor's skill, 
Thy sight, thy beauty, or thy majesty — 

Not these my bosom thrill. 

'Tis that a glorious monument thou art, 

Of the true faith of old, 
When faith was one in all the nation's heart, 

Purer than purest gold. 

A light, when darkness on the nations dwelt, 

In Erin found a home — 
The mind of Greece, the warm heart of the 
Celt, 

The bravery of Rome. 

But, 0! the pearl, the gem, the glory of her 
youth, 

That shone upon her brow; 
She clung forever to the Chair of Truth — 

Clings to it now! 



116 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE ROCK OF CASHEL.— Continued. 
J..o\e of my love, and temple of my God! 

How would 1 now clasp thee 
Close to my heart, and, even as thou wast 
trod, 
So with thee trodden be! 

O, for one hour a thousand years ago, 

Within Miy precincts dim, 
To hear the chant, in deep and measured flow, 

Of psalmody and hymn! 

To see of priests the long and white array, 

Around thy silver shrines — 
I he people kneeling prostrate far away, 

In thick and chequer'd lines. 

To see the Prince of Cashel o'er the rest, 

Their prelate and their king, 
'the sacred bread and chalice by him blest, 

Earth's holiest offering. 



To hear, in piety's own Celtic tongue, 

. he most heart-touching prayer 
Thai, fervent suppliants e'er was 
among — 

0, to be then and there! 



heard 



There was a time all this within thy walls 

Was felt, and heard, and seen ; 
Faint image only now thy sight recalls 

Of all that once hath been. 

The creedless, heartless, murderous robber 
came, 
And never since that time 

id thy torn altars burned the sacred 
flame, 
Or rose the chant sublime. 

Thy glory in a crimson tide went down, 

Beneath the cloven hoof — 
Altar and priest, miter, and cope, and crown, 

And choir, and arch, and roof. 
O, but to see thee, when thou wilt rise again — 

For thou again wilt rise, 
And with the splendors of thy second reign 

Dazzle a nation's eyes ! 

Children of those who made thee what thou 
wast, 

Shall lift thee from the tomb, 
And clothe thee, for the spoiling of the past, 

In more celestial bloom. 

And psalm, and hymn, and gold, and precious 
stones, 

And gems beyond all price, 
And priest, and altar, o'er the martyr's bones, 

And daily sacrifice. 

And endless prayer, and crucifix, and shrine, 

And all religion's dower, 
And thronging worshipers shall yet be thine — 

0, but to see that hour! 

And who shall smite thee then? — and who shall 
see 
Thy second glory o'er? 
When they who make thee free themselves 
i arc free, 

To fall no more. 



THE MAID OF CASTLE CRAIGH. 

Theee times the Cowers have faded since I left my native home, 
Through hopeless love enlisting, in foreign lands to roam; 
But whersoe'er I wandered, near or far away, 
No maiden could e'er compare with the Maid of Castle Craigh. 

Her blooming cheek was like the rose, all blushing; and her eve 
Like yonder star, that shines afar so bright and tenderly; 
Her bosom like the snow, in evening's rosy ray, 
But oh! it seem'd as cold to me, sweet Maid of Castle Craigh. 

I courted her a year and more, and sought, to gain her love, 
And sure her heart was fond and warm, though timid as a dove; 
For oh! 1 never knew, till I was far away, 
That I had won thy gentle heart, dear Maid of Castle Craigh. 

But now my griefs are all at rest, the wars r.t length are o'er, 
And landed safe on Erin's soil, I'll never leave it more; 
But live in peace and joy, to bless each happy da v. 
With thee, my own, my only love, dear Maid'of Castle Craigh. 



DERMOT ASTORE. 

Oh! Dermot Astore! between waking and sleeping 

I heard thy dear voice, and 1 wept to its lay: 
Every pulse of my heart the sweet measure was keeping 

Till Killarney's wild echoes had borne it away. 
Oh! tell me, my own love, is this our last meeting.' 

Shall we wander no more in Killarney's green bow'rs, 
To watch the bright sun o'er the dim hills retreating, 

And the wild stag at rest in his bed of spring ow'rs? 
Oh ! Dermot Astore, etc. 

Oh! Dermot Astore! how this fond heart would flutter, 

When I met thee by night in the shady borcen, 
And heard thine own voice in a soft whisper utter 

Those words of endearment, " Mavourneen colleen ! " 
I know we must part, but oh! say not for ever, 

That it may be for years adds enough to my pain; 
But I'll cling to the hope, that though now we must sever, 

In some blessed hour I shall meet thee again. 
Oh! Dermot Astore, etc. 



SWEET KATHLEEN THE GIRL I ADORE. 

Fab away o'er the sea, there's a spot dear to me 

In old Erin, the land I adore, 
Where a colleen so true, with sweet eyes oh so blue, 

Is waiting to greet me once more. 
I left her one day for to roam far away, 

As a wanderer from my native shore; 
But I long to go back o'er the sea's bounding track, 

To sweet Kathleen the girl 1 adore. 

Refrain 

Sweet Kathleen my darling, I'll never forget, 
Remembrance of you thrills me o'er; 

Oh my heart holds one hope, 'tis to see just once more 
Sweet Kathleen the girl I adore. 

Though loni,' years have gone by, since I kissed her good-bye 

On the old village green that sad day, 
Still the tears on her laee. in my dreams I can trace, 

As she bade me Cod speed, on my way: 
And at night oft I pray, for the dawn of the day 

That will give me a glimpse just once more 
Of my dear native isle, and the old-fashioned sti'e. 

Where I first met the girl I adore. — REFRAIN 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



147 



GLENFINISHK. 

GIJENFINISHK ! where thy waters mix with Araglen's wild tide, 
"lis sweet at hush of evening to wander by thy side! 
Tis swoet to hear the night-winds sigh along Macrona's wood, 
And mingle their wild music with the murmur of thy ilood! 

'Tis sweet, when in the deep-blue vault the morn is shining 

bright, 
To watch where thy clear waters are breaking into light; 
To mark the starry sparks that o'er thy smoother surface gleam, 
As if some fairy hand were Hinging diamonds on thy stream! 

Oh! if departed spirits e'er this dark world return, 
'Tis in some lonely, lovely spot like this they would sojourn; 
What'er their mystic rites may be, no human eye is here, 
Save mine to mark their mystery— no human voice is near. 

At such an hour, in such a scene, I could forget my birth — 
J could forget 1 e'er ha e been, or am, a thing of earth; 
Shake off the fleshly bonds that hold my soul in thrall, and be, 
Even like themselves, a sp i id and as free! 

Ye shadowy race! if we believe the ta] ends old, 

\e sometimes hold high converse with tUos of mortal mould: 
Oh! come, whilst now my soul is free, and bear me in your train, 
Ne'er to return to misery and this dark world again! 

TERRY O'ROON AND HIS WONDERFUL TUNE. 

Ocu! there ne'er was a piper lie Terry O'Roon, 

Sure he bother'd them all with his wonderful tune; 

And the like of that same, when it came in his head, 

It never was equall'd by living or dead. 

And this is the reason — a long time ago, 

.As Terry's own family histories show, 

A Fairy once brought to his grandfather's cot 

The very same pipes that Terry has got; 

'* And sure," said his father, who took up the trade, 

" St. Patrick himself on thesame may have played j " 

But none of the p pe-playing house of O'Roon, 

Like Terry could strike up the wonderful tune. 
Och, bothering, wheedling Terry O'Roon, 
He charm'd every heart with his wonderful tune. 

'Tis said when he struck up his pipes by the shore, 
That the fishes danced jigs, and the sea ceased to roar, 
That the rocs split with laughing, that herring and sprats 
Should foot it with shell-fish, and round fish, and fiats; 
Be that as it may, Terry swears it's true; 
But he might have been dreaming, betwixt me and you; 
On a taste of the creature — that caused him ti think, 
(For pipers have ever been jewels to drink,) 
And Terry himself when the whisky was strong, 
He ne'er played so well, nor so loud, nor so long, 
Till he set them all dancing — sly Terry O'Roon, 
And whatever he play'd 'twas a wonderful tune. 
Och, bothering, wheedling, etc. 

There was never a wake, nor a fight, nor a fair, 
But Terry O'Roon he was sure to be there ; 
And many's the match that was made, I'll be bound, 
When his wonderful pipes drew the lasses around; 
But Terry himself was a rogue, and it's true 
It was all one to him whether black eyes or blue; 
For when his llirtations some beauty would vex, 
" Arrah, honey! " he'd say " 'aint I true to the sex?" 
And so he went on with his wheedling ways. 
And his pipe-playing tricks, to the end of his days; 
But there ne'er was a piper like Terry O'Roon, 
That was gifted like him with a wonderful tune! 
Och, bothering, wheedling Terry O'Roon, 
Sure he won ev'ry heart with his wonderful tune! 



THE FAIRY WELL. 

On! Peggy Pawn was innocent, 

And wild as any roe; 
Her cheek was like the summer rose, 

Her neck was like the snow: 

And every eye was in her head 

So beautiful and bright, 
You'd almost think they'd light her through 

Glencarrigy by night. 

Among the hills and mountains, 

Above her mother's home, 
The long and weary summer day 

Young Peggy Blake would roam; 

And not a girl in the town 
From Dhua to Glenlur, 

Could wander through the m --ntain's heath 
Or climb the rocks with her. 

The Lammas sun was shinin' on 

The meadows all so brown; 
The neighbors gathered far and near 

To cut the ripe crops down; 

And pleasant was the mornin', 

And dewy was the dawn, 
And gay and lightsome-hearted 

To the sunny fields they're gone. 

The joke was passing lightly, 

And the laugh was loud and free; 

There was neither care nor trouble 
To disturb their hearty glee; 

When, says Peggy, resting in among 

The sweet and scented hay, 
" I wonder is there one would brave 

The Fairywell to-day! " 

She looked up with her laughin' eyes 

So soft at Willy Rhu ; 
Och murdher! that she didn't need 

His warnin' kind and true! 

But all the boys and girls laughed, 

And Willy Rhu looked shy; 
God help you, Willy! sure they saw 
The throuble in your eye. 

" Now, by my faith ! " young Connell says, 

'• I like your motion well — 
There's a power more than gospel 

In w T hat crazy gossips tell." 

Oh, my heavy hatred fell upon 
Young Connell of Sliahh-Mast! 

He took the cruel vengeance 
For his scorned love at last. 

The jokin' and the jibin' 
And the banterin' went on, 
One girl dared another, 

And they all dared Peggy Bawn. 

Till leaping up, away she flew 

Down to the hollow green — 
Her bright locks, floating in the wind, 

Like golden lights were seen. 



148 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF [RELAND. 



THE FAIRY WELL.— Continued. 

They saw her at the Fairy well — 

Their laughin' died away, 
They saw lier stoop above its brink 

With heart as cold as clay. 

Oh! mother, mother, never stand 

Upon your cabin floor! 
You heard the cry that through your heart 

Will ring for evermore ; 

For when she came up from the well, 

No one could stand her look! 
Her eye was wild — her cheek was pale — 

They saw her mind was shook: 

And the gaze she cast around her 

Was so ghastly and so sad — 
"O Christ preserve us! ' shouted all, 

"Poor Peggy Blake's gone mad! " 

The moon was up — the stars were out, 

And shining through tin- s'.<y, 
When young and old stood mourning round 

To see their dariing die. 

Poor Peggy from the death-bed rose — 

Her face was pale and cold, 
And down about her shoulders hung 

The lovely locks of gold. 

" All you that's here this night," she said, 

" Take warnin' by my fate, 
Whoever braves the fairies' wrath, 

Their sorrow comes too late." 

The tear was startin' in her eye, 

She clasp'd her throbbin' head, 
And when the sun next mornin' rose 

Poor Peggy Bawn lay dead. 

LOCH INA. 

I know a lake where the cool waves break, 
And softly fall on the silver sand — 

And no steps intrude on thatsolitude, 

And no voice, save mine, disturbs the 
strand. 

And a mountain bold like a giant of old 
Turned to stone by some magic spell, 

I'prears in might its misty height, 
And his craggy sides are wooded well. 

In the midst doth smile a little Isle, 

And its verdure shames the emerald's 
green — 

On its grassy side, in ruined pride, 
A castle of old is darkling seen. 

On its lofty crest the wild crane's nest, 
In its halls the sheep good shelter find ; 

And the ivy shades where a hundred blades 
Were hung, when the owners in sleep re- 
clined. 

That chieftain of old could he now behold 
His lordly tower a shepherd's pen, 

His corpse, long dead, from its narrow bed 
Would rise, with anger and shame again. 



FORTUNE IN THE FIRE. 

•• Sweet Norah, come here, and look into the fire, 

Perhaps in its embers good luck we may see; 
But don't come too near, or your glances so burning 

Will putit clean out, lie the sunbeams, machree. 

•rust look 'twixt the bars where that black sod is smoking; 

There's a sweet litle valley with rivers and trees, 
And a house on the bank quite as big a3 the squire's — 
Who knows but some day we'll have something like these? 

" And now there's a coach with four galloping horses, 
A coachman to drive, and a footman behind — 

That shows that some day we will keep a fine carriage. 
And fly through the streets with the speed of the wind." 

As Dermot was speaking, the rain-drops came hissing 
Down through the chimney; the fire went out; 

While mansion and river, and horses and carriage, 
All vanished in smoke-wreaths that whirled about. 



Then Norah to Dermot this speech softly whispered — 
" Twere better to do than to idly desire: 

And one little cot by the roadside is better 

Than a palace with servants and coach — in the fire! 



PAT AND THE PIG. 

'Twas near Limerick town lived bould Paddy O'Linn, 

No boy a shillelah so nately could spin ; 

But oeh ! down his throat, when the whisky he'd tossed, 

Sly Paddy oft found things before they were lost. 

From the cabin of Widdy O'Connor one day, 

A fat little pig, as pigs will, got astray; 

Says Pat, "You're blind drunk, it's my feelin's you shock; " 

Then he fell o'er the pig, as he gave him a knock ; 

" Och, piggy," says he, " 'tis good manners you need : 

It's myself you've near kilt, you disgraceto your breed. 

But my bacon I've saved, so to give you your due, 

It's cured you shall be — I'll make bacon of you.'' 

The grunter Pat cured, and soon put out of Bight, 

But the ghost of that pig haunted Pat day and night; 

So at last to his riv'rence he went and confessed, 

Having that on his mind that he couldn't digest. 

" Och, Pat ! " said the priest, " only think of the day 

When the widdy shall charge you with stealing away 

The pig that she looked to for paying her rint." 

"Och, murder!" says Pat. "it's of that I repint, 

And so, it you plaze absolution to say. 

It's a blessed thirteen that I'm willing to pay. 

Or I'll marry the widdy to make her atone: 

Since 'twas her flesh I took, I'll be bone of her bone." 

" You know that can't be — you would cheat me. O'Linn, 

To compound with a felony's surely a sin: 

And as to repintance. sure what will you say. 

When the widdy accuses you at the last day'.' " 

Says Pat. "Will your riv'rence answer me true. 

When that time it shall come will the pig be there too?" 

"He will," said the priest, "all your guilt to make plain, 

Cheek by jowl with the pig you will stand once again." 

"Then," says Pat, 'it's all right, absolution or not. 

For when that time comes I an answer have got. 

As the pig will be there. I have only to say, 

' Take your dirty ould pig ' — so your riv'rence good day." 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



no 



LOCH INA.— Continued. 
Tis sweet to gaze when 1 he sun's bright rays 

Are cooling themselves in the trembling wave 
But 'tis sweeter far when the evening star 

Shines like a smile at Friendship's grave. 

There the hollow shells, through their 
wreathed cells. 
Make music on the silent shore, 
As the summer breeze, through the distant 
trees. 
Murmurs in fragrant breathings o'er. 

And the sea-weed shines, like the hidden mines 
Of the fairy cities beneath the sea ; 

And the wave-washed stones are bright as the 
thrones 
Of the ancient Kings of Araby. 

If it were my lot in that fairy spot 
To live forever, and dream 'twere mine, 

Courts might woo, and kings pursue, 
Ere I would leave thee — Loved Loch Ine. 



RORY'S KISSING SCHOOL. 

'Bout a kiss, do ye ask ? It's me that can tell ; 

For ould as I am, I'm minding it well ; 

When a spalpeen of three, with how much de- 
light 

My mither kissed Rory and bade him good 
night. 

But my mither she died and left Rory behind; 
And the lasses I met brought her so to my 

mind 
That at kissing I went, first one and anither, 
Because they wore bonnets and looked like my 

mither. 

At last, would vou think it, swate Bridget 

O'Flynn 
Had scarcely been kissed when she kissed me 

agin, 
And tould me a praest, away down in the city, 
Would say, if we'd ask him, a bit of a ditty. 

" A ditty, swate Bridget, and what might it 

be?" 
"' Ne'er mind, my dear Rory, but just come 

wid me! " 
We trudged to the city, and sure as my life 
He said a short ditty and called her my wife. 

We got a wee cottage, a pig and a spade , 
Bridget sickened; we hired her sister for maid ; 
The maid I was kissing when, true as ye're 

there, 
I felt the ould divil a-pulling my hair. 

"Begone, you old varmint! " I veiled in af- 
fright. 

And sort o' turned round to be getting a 
sight ; 

What did I diskiver? Instead of an elf, 

Swate Bridget O'Flaherty there jist herself. 

"Oh, Rory!" she blubbered, still pulling 

away, 
" But sick is my heart wid yer conduct to-day ; 
A-kissing my sister while I'm in my bed, 
Nor able to raise from the pillow my head ! " 



THE AT1ILONE LANDLADY. 

'TWAS in the town of Athlon ■ 
Lived the beautiful Widow Malone, 

She kept the Black Boy, 

Was an armful of joy, 
And had plenty of lovers, och hone, och hone, 
O the world for you, Widow Malone. 

There was Bolus, the medical drone, 
And Latitat, all skin and bone, 

But physic and law 

Both stuck in her craw, 
And she couldn't digest them, och hone, och hone — 
O success to sweet Mistress Malone! 

But Cupid, who's the devil's own 

Sent a lad who soon altered her tone, 

'Twas brave Serjeant Mae Whack, 
With long sword and broad back; 

And his roguish black eyes at her thrown, och hone, 

O they bother'd the Widow Malone. 

The love-sick sweet Mistress Malone 
So fond of the soldier was grown, 

That in secret she'd sigh, 

" For the Serjeant I die. 
Oh! would I were bone of his bone! och hone." 
More of that to you, Mistress Malone. 

Still the lawyer and doctor will groan, 
And tease the poor widow, och hone, 

Till one day Pat Mac Whack 

Kick'd them out in a crack, 
And a smack gave sweet Katty Malone, och hone — 
"O you've won me! " cried Widow Malone. 

So they wedded one morn, och hone, 

And with fun sure the stocking was thrown; 

And he's man of the house, 

And his beautiful spouse 
Is sweet Mistress Mac Whack, late Malone, Malone — 
So more luck to .Mac Whack and Malone! 

NOR AH DARLING, DON'T BELIEVE THEM. 

NORAH darling, don't believe them, 

Never heed their flattering wiles, 
Trust a heart that loves thee dearly, 

Lives but in thy sunny smiles, 
I must leave thee. Norah darling, 

But I leave my heart with thee; 
Keep it, for 'tis true and faithful 

As a loving heart can be. 

When the stars are round me glist'ning, 

And the moon shines bright above, 
Perhaps, my Norah, thou'lt be list'ning 

To another tale of love. 
Perhaps they'll tell thee I'll forget thee, 

Teach thy gentle heart to fear; 
Oh, my Norah, never doubt me — 

Don't believe them, Norah dear. 

They must love thee, Norah darling, 

When they look into those eyes, 
Oh, thou'lt never let them rob me 

Of the heart I dearly prize. 
Thou wilt not forget me, Norah, 

When their tales of love you hear, 
Never heed their treacherous whispers, 

Don't believe them, Norah dear. 



150 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



RORYS KISSING SCHOOL.— Continued. 
" Troth ! my Bridget," says I, " perhaps ye can 

mind 
When ye to the kissing were greatly inclined; 
Ve kissed me and kissed me at Donnybrook 

fair, 
And now, by the jabers, ye're pulling my hair. 
Begone, you old fool, wid a rumpus like this! 
I'm only a-larning your sister to kiss! " 

NANCY, THE PRIDE OF THE WEST. 
We have dark lovely looks on the shores where 
the Spanish 
From their gay ships came gallantly forth. 
And the sweet shrinking violets sooner will 
vanish 
Than modest blue eyes from our north: 
But oh! if the fairest of fair-daughtered Erin 

Gathered round at her golden request, 
There's not one of them all that she'd think 
worth comparing 
With Nancy, the pride of the west. 
You'd suspect her the statue the Greek fell in 
love with. 
If you chanced on her musing alone, 
Or some goddess great Jove was offended above 
with. 
And chilled to a sculpture of stone: 
But you'd think her no colorless, classical 

When the turned from her pensive repose, 
With her glowing gray eyes glancing timidly 
at you, 
And the blush of a beautiful rose. 
Have you heard Nancy sigh? then 
caught the sad echo 
From the wind-harp enchantingly 
Have you heard the girl laugh? then 
heard the first cuckoo 
Chant summer's delightful return. 
And the songs that poor ignorant country-folk 
fancy. 
The lark's liquid raptures on high. 
Are just old Irish airs from the sweet lips of 
Nancy, 
Flowing up and refreshing the sky. 
And though her fool dances so soft from the 
heather 
To the dew-twinkling tussocks of grass. 
It but warms the bright drops to slip closer to- 
gether 
To image the exquisite lass; 
We've no men left among us. s,i losl to (-mo ion, 

Or scornful, or cold to her 
Who'd resisl her. if Nancy once took up the 
no 

To S( I thai - ifl fool on .heir necks. 
Yet, for all that the I for honey-dew 

rant 
To the half-opened flower of tier lips: 
And the butterfly pauses, the purple-eyed va- 
grant . 
To play with her pink finger-tips : 
From all human lovers she locks Up the treas- 
ure 

A thousand ing to taste, 

And the fail know the magical meas- 

ure 

Of the ravishing round of 1 



you ve 

borne, 
you've 



THE SONS OF IIIBKRNIA. 

Brave sons of Hibernia, your shamrocks display, 
For ever made sacred on St. Patrick's day; 
'Tis a type of religion, the badge of our saint. 
And a plant of that soil which no venom can taint. 

Both Venus and Mars to that land lay a claim 
Their title is own'd and recorded by fame . 
But St. Patrick to friendship has hallow'd the ground, 
And made hospitality ever abou 

Then with shamrocks and myrtles let's garnish the bowl, 

In converse convivial and sweet How 01 - 

To our saint make oblations of generous wine 

What saint would have more'.' — sure 'tis worship divine! 

Tho' jovial and festive in seeming excess. 
We've hearts sympathetic of others' distress. 
May our shamrock continue to Sourish and prove 
An emblem of charity, friendship, and love. 

May the blights of disunion no longer remain, 
Our shamrock to wither, its glories to stain; 
May it flourish for ever, we heaven invoke. 
Kindly shelter'd and fene'd by the brave Irish oak. 

A SWEET IRISH GIRL IS THE DARLING FOR ME. 

If they talk about ladies, I'll tell them the plan 
Of myself — to be sure, I'm a nate Irishman. 
There is neither sultana nor foreign ma'ainselle. 
That has charms to please me, or can coax me so well 
As the sweet Irish girl so charming to see; 
Och, a sweet Irish girl is the darling for me. 

And sing filliloo, fire away, frisky she'll be — 
Och! a sweet Irish girl is the darling for me; 
For she's pretty, she's witty, 
She's hoaxing, she's coaxing, 
She's smiling, beguiling to see, to see: 
She rattles, she prattles, 
She dances, and prances — 
Och! a sweet Irish girl is the darling for me. 

Now some girls they are little, and some they are tall, 
Och! others are big, sure, and others are small; 
And some that are teasing, are bandy, I tell; 
Still none can please me, or can coax me so well 
As t lie dear Irish girl, so charming to see — 
Och! a sweet Irish girl is the darling for me. 
And sing filliloo, etc. 

THF FAIRY BOY.* 

A MOTHER came when stars were paling, 

Wailing round a lonely spring ; 
Thus she cried while tears were falling, 

Calling on the fairy king : 

"Why with spells my child caressing, 

Courting him with fairj joy ; 
Why destroy a mother'- blessing, 

Wherefore steal my fairy boj ! 

"O'er the mountain, through a wild wood, 

Where his childhood lined to play : 
Where the flowers are freshly springing. 

There I wander day by day. 

•' There I wander, growing fonder 

Of the child that made my joy: 
On the echoes wildly calling. 

To restore my fairy boy. 

• When a beautiful child pines and dies, the Irish jwisnnt befiflvps the 
healthy infant bas been stolen by the fairies, and I left in its place. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



151 



SWEET KILKENNY TOWN. 

I was working in the fields near fair Boston city, 

Thinking sadly of Kilkenny — and a girl that's there; 
When a friend came and tould me — late enough and more's the 
pity! — 
"There's a letter waitin' for ye, in the postman's care!" 
Oh! my heart was in my mouth, all the while that he was 
spaking, 
For I knew it was from Kaly! — she's (he girl that can spell! 
And I couldn't speak for crying, for my heart had nigh been 
breaking, 
With longing for a word from the girl that 1 love well. 
Oh! I knew it was from Katey. Who could it he but Katey? 
The poor girl that loves me well, in sweet Kilkenny Town. 



Oh! 'twas soon 1 reached the place, and I thanked them for the 
trouble 
They vvor taking with my letter, a-sorting with such care; 
And they asked "was it a single?" and I tould them 'twas a 
double! 
For wasn't it worth twice as much as any letter there? 
Then they sorted and they searched, but something seemed the 
matter, 
And my heart it stopped beating when I thought what it 
might be : 
Och! boys, would you believe it? they had gone and lost my 
letter, 
My poor Katey's letter that had come so far to me. 
For I knew, etc. 



I trimbled like an aspen, but I said, " 'Tis fun your making, 

Of the poor foolish Paddy, that's so azy to craze; 
Och! gintlemen, then look again, maybe you wor mistaken, 

For letters, as you know, boys, are as like as pase! " 
Then they bade me sarch myself when they saw my deep de- 
jection, 
But, och! who could sarch when the tears blind the sight? 
Moreover (as I tould them) I'd another strong objection, 
In regard to niver laming to read nor to write, 

For I wasn't cute like Katey, my own darling Katey, 
etc. 



Then they laughed in my face, and they asked me (tho' in 
kindness) , 
What good would letters do me that I couldn't understand. 
And I answered, " Were they cursed with deafness and with 
blindness, 
Would they care less for the clasp of a dear loved hand? " 

Oh! the folks that read and write (though they're so mighty 
clever), 

See nothin' but the words, and they're soon read through; 
But Katy's unread letter would be speaking to me ever 

Of the dear love that she bears me, for it shows she is true! 
Oh! well I know my Katey, my own darling Katey, 

The poor girl that loves me well, in sweet Kilkenny Town. 



TERRY MALONE. 

One ev'ning from market returning, 

Just thinking of what I'll not name; 
May be some of ye guess, ah! now don't ye? 
For 'tis few have not thought of the same. 
But my heart is as open ;is sunshine, 

A secret lies heavy as stone: 
So I'll even confess, without blushing, 
I was thinking of Terry Maione. 



THE SPINNING WHEEL SONG. 

Mellow the moonlight to shine is beginning; 

Close by the window young Eileen is spinning; 

Bent o'er the fire her blind grandmother, 
sitting, 

Is crooning and moaning, and drowsily knit- 
ting; 

" Mil ecu achora, 1 hear some one tapping." 

" Tis the ivy, dear mother, against the glass 
flapping." 

" Eileen, I surely hear some one sighing." 

" 'Tis the sound, mother dear, of the summer 
wind dying." 

Merrily, cheerily, noisily whirring, 

Swings the wheel, spins the reel, while the 

foot's stirring; 
Sprightly and lightly and airily ringing, 
Thrills the sweet voice of the young maiden 

singing. 



" What's that noise that I hear at the window, 

I wonder'.' " 
" 'Tis the little birds chirping the holly-bush 

under." 
" What makes you be shoving and moving your 

stool on, 
And singing all wrong the old song of the Coo- 

lun?" 
There's a form at the casement — the form of 

her true love — 
And he whispers, with face bent, " I'm wait- 

for you, love. 
Get up on the stool, through the lattice step 

lightly; 
We'll rove in the grove while the moon's 

shining brightly." 

Merrily, cheerily, noisily whirring, 

Swings the wheel, spins the reel, while the 

foot's stirring : 
Sprightly and lightly and airly ringing, 
Thrills the sweet voice of the young maiden 

singing. 



The maid shakes her hand, on her lips lays 
her fingers. 

Steals up from the seat — longs to go, and yet 
lingers; 

A frightened glance turns to her drowsy grand- 
mother, 

Puts one foot on the stool, spins the wheel with 
the other. 

Lazily, easily, swings now the wheel round, 

Slow T lj r and lowly is heard now the reel's 
round : 

Noiseless and light to the lattice above her 

The maid steps, then leaps to (he arms of her 
lover. 

Slower — and slower — and slower the wheel 
swings : 

Lower — and lower — and lower the reel rings : 

Ere the wheel and the reel stopped their 
ringing and moving, 

Through t lie grove the young lovers by moon- 
light are roving. 



152 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



TERRY MAJLONE.— Continued. 
If you spake of some one I'll not mention, 

It is certain, they say, he'll appear; 
And so of the lad I was thinking, 
By the boaheen 1 saw him draw near. 

I was pleased and yet sorry to see him, 

And lie asked me to met him alone; 
For 1 very well knew what lie wanted, 
So avoided poor Terry Malone. 

t 'oming home the next ev'ning quite lonely, 

All at once who d'ye tihnk I did spy? 
lint Terry himself in a flurry, 
And oh! such a beam in his eye! 

Where's the use to descend to partic'lars, 
Enough if the end be made known — 
That same night, by the moon, consented, 
To become Mistress Terry Malone. 

DEAR PRATIES. 
As a cook, a few dainties I'll here be explaining, 

And sure you'll confess that they go in a trice, 
They're of true Irish growth, and if you take my meaning, 

Vou'll say they're all the world can think nice; 
There's some that will eat them well moistened with whiskey, 

Some roast them, while others prefer them if boiled, 
And if you but eat them, they'll make your hearts frisky, 

But leave on their jackets or else they'll be spoiled. * 
r 

Chorus. 
Dear praties we can't do without them, 

They grow in our fields, and our men they employ; 
Talk as you will you must say this about them — 

That a mealy praty is an Irishman's joy. 

They make the boys stout, and keep the girls slender, 

They soften the hearts, and they strengthen the mind, 
And the man from the bog, or the lord in high splendor, 

All live by the praties, as most folks can find; 
Besides, if a foe come to threaten old Erin, 

We'll bother his noddle, and soon stop his breath, 
And at our ammunition he'd soon be found staring, 

For with praties, dear praties, we'd stone 'em to death. 
Dear praties, etc. 

YOU'RE WELCOME AS FLOWERS IN MAY. 

" So, Katty dear, you've told your mother 

That I'm a rogue, by that and this, 
We'll prove that same somehow or other, 

So first of all I'll steal a kiss." 
" ( >ch ! Terry dear, don't call it stealing, 

A kiss you cannot take away. 
The loss of that I'd not be feeling — 

You're welcome as the flowers in May." 

"But, Kittj dear, I'm growing bolder, 

A great big thief I mean to start, 
And before I am an hour older 

I'd like to Steal away your heart." 
"Oeh! Terry, don't you call it robbin', 

My heart you've owned this many a day; 
But if you like to ease its throbbin', 

You're welcome as the flowers in May." 

" But, Katty dear, I am not joking, 

My wounded honor you must heal : 
I'll not lie called such names for nothing, 

Sure, it's yourself away I'd steal." 
"Och! Terry, that would be housebreaking, 

But if my mother don't, say nay, 
It's to Father Tom you may be spaking — 

You're welcome as the flowers in May." 



THE RIVER BOYNE. 

Bkiue of Loch Kamor, gently seaward stealing, 
In thy placid depths hast thou no feeling 

Of the stormy gusts of other da\ 8 . 
Does thy heart, gentle, nun-faied river, 
Passing Shomberg'a obelisk, not quiver, 

While the shadow on thy bosom weighs? 

Thou ha:t heard the sounds of martial clangor, 
Seen fraternal forces clash in anger, 

In thy Sabbath valley, River Boyne! 
Here have ancient lister's hardy forces 
Dressed their ranks, and fed their traveled 
horses, 

Tara's hosting as they rode to join. 

Forgettest thou that silent summer morning. 
When William's bugles sounded sudden warn- 
ing, 

And James's answered, chivalrously clear! 
When rank to rank gave the death signal duly, 
And volley answered volley quick and truly* 

And shouted mandates met the eager ear? 

The thrush and linnet tied beyond the moun- 
tains, 
The fish in Inver Colpa sought their fountains, 
The unchased deer scampered through 
Tredagh's gates ; 
St. Mary's bells in their high places trembled, 
And made a mournful music which resembled 
A hopeless prayer to the unpitying Fates. 

Ah! well for Ireland had the battle ended 
When James forsook what William well de- 
fended, 

Crown, friends, and kingly cause ; 
Well, if the peace thy bosom did recover 
Had breathed its benediction broadly over 

Our race, and rites, and laws. 

Not in thy depths, not in thy fount. Loch 
Ramor! 

Were brewed the hitter strife and cruel clamor 

Our wisest long have mourned : 
Foul Faction falsely made thy gentle current 
To Christian ears a stream and name abhor- 
rent, 
And all thy waters into poison turned. 

But, as of old God's Prophet sweetened Mara, 
Even so, blue hound of lister and of Tara, 

Thy waters to our exodus give life; 
Thrice holy hands thy lineal foes have wedded, 

And healing olives in thy breast embedded, 

And banished far the littleness of strife. 

Before thee we have made a solemn Fcedus, 

And for Chief Witness called on Him who 
made us, 
Quenching before His eyes the brands of 
hate ; 
Our pact is made, for brotherhood and uuion, 
For equal laws to class and to communion — 
Our wounds to stanch — our laud to liber- 
ate. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



lod 



THE RIVER BOYNE. -Continued. 

Our trust is not in musket or in saber — 
Our faith is in the fruitfulness of labor, 

The soul-stirred, willing soil; 
In Homes and granaries by justice guarded, 
In fields from blighting winds and agents 
warded, 

In franchised skill and manumitted toil. 

Grant us, O God, the soil, and sun, pnd sea- 
sons! 
Avert Despair, the worst of moral treasons, 

Make vaunting words be vile. 
Grant us, we pray, but wisdom, peace, and 

patience, 
And we wil yet relift among the nations 
Our fair and fallen, but unforsaken Isle! 

KATHLEENS FETCH. 

The reaper's weary task was done; 
And down to repose sunk the autumn sun; 
And the crimson clouds, in the rich-hued west, 
Were folding like rose-leaves round his rest. 
My heart was light, and 1 hummed a tune, 
As I hied me home by the harvest moon; 
And I bless'd her soft and tender ray. 
That rose to lighten my lone pathway. 

Then I thought on my Kathleen's winning 

smile 
(And I felt my heart grow sad the while), 
Of her cheek, like the fading rose-clouds 

glowing, 
Of her hair, like the dying sunlight flowing; 
And her words like the song of a summer 

bird, 
And her air and step, like the fawn's, when 

stirred 
By the hunter's horn, as it boometh o'er 
The woody glens of the steep Sliabh-mor. 

The broad Lough Mask beneath me lay, 
Like a sheet of foam in the silver ray; 
And its yellow shores were round it rolled, 
As a gem enclosed by its fretted gold. 
And there, where the old oaks mark the spot, 
Arose my Kathleen's sheltered cot ; 
And I bounded on, for my hopes were high, 
Though still at my heart rose the boding sigh. 

The silver moon was veiled by a cloud, 
And the darkness fell on my soul like a 

shroud ; 
And a figure in white was seen afar, 
To flit on my path like a twinkling star. 
I rushed, I ran — 'twas my Kathleen dear: 
But why dors she fly? has she ought to fear? 
I called, but in vain — like the fleeting beam, 
She melted away with the flowing stream. 

T came to her father's cottage door, 
But the sounds of wailing were on his floor; 
>\nd the keeper's voice rose loud and wild, 
And a mother bewailed her darling child. 
My heart grew chill — I could not draw 
The latch: I knew 'twas her Fetch i saw! 
Yes, Kathleen, fair Kamleen, that sad night 

died, 
The fond pulse of my soul, its hope, its pride. 



THE SACHET \EZ TRUSTED TO ME. 

If it's thrue it's the " silence that gives the consint," 
It's yerself, Dennis dear, should be mighty contint, 
For it's niver a word I have said thro' your say, 
Tho' yez stopp'd to fetch breath, before uaiuin' the day; 
Whin a purty Colleen, whom the boys are all praisin' 
Shall be yez, wid the pig, for the rint I am raisin', 
The fayther I'll tell what, ye've trusted to me, 
And ask wid a kiss, if 1 married may be. 



Now aviek! don't yez look wid that sheep-castin' eye, 

It bothers entirely a Colleen that's shy; 

An' Pathric is comin', who will have his joke, 

And guess be me blushes, the words ye have spoke; 

And the boy will be tazin', the while I am sazin' 

The moment the whisky my father is plazin', 

To tell him the sacret yez trusted to me, 

And ask wid a kiss, if 1 married may be. 



It's the pity, alanna, time makes men forgit 

How swate was their joy when two tinder hearts met, 

For I'm shure he wil say I am foolish to waste 

My love on a spalpeen an' marry in haste; 

For it's thrue, Denis dear, that the ould will be preachin' 

To the young who still think they've grown out ov their tachin' 

I'll tell him the sacret yez trusted to me, 

And coax wid a kiss that 1 married may be. 



THE EMERALD ISLE. 

Of all nations under the sun, 

Dear Erin does truly excel; 
For friendship, for valor, for fun, 

'Tis fam'd, as the world can tell; 
The boys are all hearty, the girls 

Sweet daughters of beauty they prove, 
The lads they ne'er dread any perils, 
1 The lasses are brimful of love. 



Ciiouup. 

Then hurrah! for the Emerald Isle! 

Where shillelahs and shamrocks abound, 
May peace and prosperity smile 

O'er the land and its natives around. 



Our forefathers tell us St. Fat 

Drove vermin away from our shore, 
The shamrock he bless'd, and for that 

We steep it in whisky galore; 
He told us while time should remain, 

Still happy would be the gay sod 
And bloom in the midst of the main, 

By the footsteps of friendship still trod. 
Then hurrah, etc. 



As for heroes, we have them in plenty, 

From gallant old Brian Boroimhe, 
In battles, faith, upwards of twenty 

He leathered the Danes black arid blue. 
Invasion our sons could not sever. 

Like lions they fought on the strand, 
And may their descendants for ever 

Protect, their own beautiful land. 
Then hurrah, etc. 



154 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



.MARY MACHREE. 

The flower of the valley was Mary Machree, 
Her smiles all bewitching were lovely to see; 
The bees round her humming, when summer was gone, 
When the roses were tied, might her lips take for one; 
Her laugh it was music, her breath it was balm, 
Her heart, like the lake, was as pure and as calm, 
Till Love o'er it came, like a breeze o'er the sea, 
And made the heart heave of sweet Mary Machree. 

She loved — and she wept; for was gladness e'er known 
To dwell in the bosom, that love makes his own ; 
His joys are but moments, his griefs are for years; 
He comes all in smiles, but he leaves all in tears! 
Her lover was gone to a far distant land! 
And Mary, in sadness, would pace the lone strand, 
And tearfully gaze on the dark rolling sea, 
That parted her soldier from Mary Machree. 

Oh, pale grew her cheek when there came from afar, 

The tales of the battle, and tidings of war: 

Her eyes filled with tears when the clouds gather'd dark, 

For fancy would picture some tempest-tost bark ; 

But winter came on, and the deep woods were bare, 

In the hall was a voice, and a foot on the stair, 

Oh! joy to the maiden, for o'er the blue sea, 

The soldier returned to his Mary Machree. 



THE WHISTLING THIEF. 

When Pat came o'er the hills, his colleen fair to see, 
His whistle, loud and shrill, his signal was to be. 

(Shrill whistle.) 
"Oh! Mary," the mother cried, "there's some one w-histling, 
sure." 
" Oh ! mother, you know it's the wind that's whistling through 
the door." 

( Whistles " Garryoioen.'" 

" I've lived a long time, Mary, in this wide world, my dear, 
But the wind to whistle like that, I never yet did hear." 

" But, mother, you know the fiddle hangs just behind the chink, 
And the wind upon the string is playing a tune, I think." 

(Dog barks.) 

'• The dog is barking now, and the fiddle can't play that tune." 
" But, mother, you know that dogs will bark, when they see 
the moon; " 
" Now how can he sec the moon, when you know he's old and 
blind? 
Blind dogs can't see the moon, nor fiddles be played by the 
wind. ' 

(Pig grunts.) 

" And now there is the pig, onaisy in his mind." 

" But, mother, you know they say that pigs can see the wind." 

" That's all very well in the day, but then, I may remark, 

That pigs, no more than we, can see anything in the dark." 

" Now I'm not such a fool as you think ; I know very well it is 
Pat. 

Be ofT, you whistling thief! and get along home out of that ! 
And you be off to your bed, and don't bother me with your tears. 

For though I've lost my eyes, I have not lost my ears." 

MORAL 

Now, boys, too near the house don't courting go, d'ye mind. 
Unless you're certain sure the old woman's both deaf and 
blind: 
The days when they were young, forget they never can — 

They're sure to tell the difference twixt a fiddle, a dog, or a 
man. 



WIRRASTHRUE! 

An! yes! the honeymoon is past, 

Wirrasthrue! wirrasthrue ! 
And I must leave my home at last, 

Wirrasthrue! wirrasthrue! 
I looked into my father's eyes. 
I hear my mother's parting sighs, — 
Ah! fool In pine for other ties — 

Wirrasthrue! wirrasthrue! 

This evening they must sit alone, 

Wirrasthrue ! wirrasthrue! 
They'll talk of me when I am gone, 

Wirrasthrue ! wirrasthrue ! 
Who now will cheer my weary sire. 
When toil and care his heart shall tire? 
My chair is empty by the fire, 

Wirrasthrue ! wirrasthrue ! 

How sunny looks my pleasant home, 

Wirrasthrue! wirrasthrue ! 
Those flowers for me shall never bloom, 

Wirrasthrue! wirrasthrue! 
I seek new friends, and I am told 
That they are rich in lands and gold; 
Ah! will they love me like the old? 

Wirrasthrue ! wirrasthrue ! 

Farewell, dear friends, we meet no more, 

Wirrasthrue ! wirrasthrue ! 
My husband's horse is at the door ; 

Wirrasthrue! wirrasthrue ! 
Ah, love! ah, love! be kind to me, 
For by this breaking heart 3 - ou see 
How dearly I have purchased thee! 

Wirrasthrue ! wirrasthrue ! 









THE JUG OF PUNCH. 

'Twas very early in the month of June, 

As I was sitting in my room. 

I heard a thrush sing in a bush. 

And the song he sung was a jug of punch. 

Till looral, etc. 

What more diversion can a man desire, 
Than to be seated by snug eoal tire, 
Upon his knee a pretty weneh. 
And on the table — a jug of punch? 

Tul looral, etc. 

If I were sick and very bad, 

And was not able to go or stand, 

[ would not think it at all amiss, 

To pledge my shoes for a jug of punch. 

Tul looral. et< . 

When I am dead and in my grave. 

No costly tombstone will I have, 

But I'll dig a grave both wide and deep. 

With a jug of punch at my head and feet. 

Tul looral. etc. 

Now you jovial topers as you pass by. 
If you are thirsty, step in and try. 
And with your sweethearts never flinch 
To dip your bills in a jug of punch, 

Tul looral, cto. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



155 



DARBY KELLY. 

My grandsire beat a drum so neat. 

His name was Darby Kelly, 0! 
No lad so true at rat tat too, 

At roll-call or reveille, 0! 
When Marlbro's name first raised his fame, 

My grandy heat the point of war; 
At Blenheim he, at Ramilie, 

Made ears to tingle near and far; 
For with his wrist, he'd such a twist, 

The girls would leer, you don't know how; 
They laugh'd, and cried, and sigh'd, and died, 

To hear him beat his row (low dow. 

A son he had which was my dad, 

As tight a lad us any, O! 
You cVr would know, though you should go 

From Chester to Kilkenny, 0! 
Winn great Wolf died, his country's pride, 

To arms my dapper father beat ; 
Each dale and hill remembers still 

How loud, how long, how strong, how neat, 
With each drum-stick he had the trick. 

The girls would leer, you don't know how; 
Their eyes would glisten, their cars would 
listen, 

To hear him beat his row dow dow. 

Yet ere I wed, ne'er be it said. 

But that the foe I dare to meet, 
With Wellington, Old Erin's son. 

To help to make them beat retreat. 
Kinp; Arthur once, or I'm a dunce, 

Was eall'd the hero of the page; 
But what was he to him we see- — 

The Arthur of the modern age. 
For, by the pow'rs, from Lisbon's towers 

Their trophies bore to grace his brow; 
He made Nap prance right out of France, 

With his English, Irish, row dow dow. 



OH, STEER MY BARK TO ERIN'S ISLE. 

Oh, I have roamed o'er many lands, 

And many friends I've met! 
Not one fair scene or kindly smile 

Can this fond heart forget. 
But I'll confess (hat I'm content, 

No more I wish to roam: 
Oh, steer my bark to Erin's isle, 

For Erin is my home. 

In Erin's isle there's manly hearts, 

And bosoms pure as snow: 
In Erin's isle there's right good cheer, 

And hearts that overflow. 
In Erin's isle I'd pass my time: 

No more I wish to roam : 
Oh, steer my bark to Erin's isle. 

For Erin is my home. 

If England were my place of birth, 

I'd love her tranquil shore; 
If bonny Scotland were my home, 

Her mountains I'd adore. 
But pleasant days in both I've past; 

I'll dream of days to com": 
Oh, steer my bark to Erin's isle, 

For Erin is my heme. 



PADDY'S PANACEA. 

Let your quacks in newspapers 

Be cutting their capers, 
'Bout curing the vapors, the scurvy, or gout, 

Wid their powders and potions, 

Their balsams and lotions, 
Och hone! in their notions they're mightily out. 

Would you know the true physic 

To bother the phthisic, 
And pitch to the devil cramp, colic, and spleen? 

You'll find it, I think, 

If you take a big drink, 
With your mouth to the brink of a jug of poteen. 

Then stick to the cratur, 

The best thing in natur, 
For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys. 

Och ! whack ! bot heration ! 

No dose in the nation 
Can give consolation like whisky, my boys! 

Oh, no liquid cosmetic 

For lovers athletic 
Or ladies pathetic can give such a bloom; 

And for sweets, by the pow'rs, 

A whole garden of flow'rs 
Never gave their own bow'rs such a darling perfume. 

Then the liquor so rare, 

If you're wishing to share. 
To be turning your hair when it's grizzled or red; 

Sure the sod has the merit 

To make the true spirit 
So strong it'll turn both your hair and your head. 

Then stick to the cratur. 

The best thing in natur, 
For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys. 

Oh ! since 'tis perfection, 

No doctor's direction 
Can guard the complexion like whisky, my boys! 

Whilst a child in the cradle, 

My nurse wid a ladle 
Was filling my mouth wid an ocean of pap, 

When a drop from the bottle 

Slipp'd into my throttle, 
I caper'd and wriggled clanc out of her lap. 

On the floor I lay sprawling, 

And kicking and bawling, 
Till father and mother were both to the fore, 

All sobbing and sighing, 

Conceived I was dying, 
But soon found I only was screeching for more. 

Then stick to the cratur, 

The best thing in natur 
For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys. 

Oh, whack, how they'd chuckle 

If babes in their truckle 
They only could suckle wid whisky, my boys! 

Thro' my youthful progression 

To years of discretion 
My childhood's impression still clung to my mind; 

For at school or at college 

The bolus of knowledge 
I never could gulp till wid whisky combined. 

And as older I'm growing, 

Time's ever bestowing 
On Erin's potation a flavor so fine. 

That howe'er they may lecture 

'Bout Jove and bis nectar. 
Itself is the only true liquor divine. 

Then stick to the cratur, 

The best thing in natur 



156 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



PADDYS PANACEA.— Continued. 

For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys. 

Oh, whack! 'tis delighting 

For courting or fighting 
There's nought so exciting as whisky, my boys! 

Let philosophers dabble 

In science, and babble 
'Bout Oxygin, Hydrogin, Nitrof/ui's fame; 

For their gin, to my thinking, 

Is not worth the drinking; 
Their labor's all lost, and their learning a drame. 

They may prate by the score 

Of their elements four. 
That all things earth, air, fire, and water must be; 

For their rules I don't care, 

For in Ireland, I'll swear. 
By St. Pat there's a fifth, and that's whisky, machree! 

Then stick to the cratur, 

The best thing in natur 
For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys. 

Och! whack! art and science 

Myself bids defiance 
To yield in appliance to whisky, my boys! 

Come guess me this riddle — 

What bates pipe and fiddle? 
What's stronger than mustard and milder than crame? 

What best wets your whistle? 

What's clearer than crystal, 
And sweeter than honey, and stronger than stame? 

What'll make the dumb talk? 

What'll make the lame walk? 
What's th' Elixir of Life and Philosopher's Stone? 

And what help'd Mr. Brunei 

To dig the Thames Tunnel? 
Sure wasn't it the spirit of nate Innishowen! 

Then stick to the cratur, 

The best thing in natur 
For sinking your sorrows and raising your joys. 

Oh ! whack ! I'd not wonder 

If lightning and thunder 
Was made from the plunder of whisky, my boys! 

DUBLIN BAY. 

He sailed away in a galant bark 

Roy Neill and his fair young bride. 
He had ventur'd all in that bounding ark, 

That danced o'er the silver tide. 
But his heart was young and his spirit light, 

And he dashed the tear away, 
As he wateh'd the shore recede from sight, 

Of his own sweet Dublin Bay. 

Three days they sail'd, and a storm arose, 

And the lightning swept the deep, 
And the thunder-crash broke the short repose, 

Of the weary sea-boy's sleep. 
Roy Neill, he clasped his weeping bride. 

And he kiss'd her tears away, 
" Oh, love, 'twas a fatal hour," she cried, 

" When we left sweet Dublin Bay." 

On the crowded deck of the doomed ship, 

Some stood in their mute despair, 
And some more calm, with a holy lip, 

Sought the God of the storm in prayer. 
"She has struck on the roek ! " the seamen cried. 

In the breath of their wild dismay. 
And the ship went down and the fair young bride, 

That sailed from Dublin Bay, 



THE COLLEEN BAWN. 

OCH! Patrick darlin', would you lave me 
To sail across the big salt »ea '.' 

I never thought you'd thus decave me; 
It's not the truth you're tellin' me] 

Though Dublin is a mighty city, 

It's there I should be quite forlorn, 

For, poor and friendless, who would pity- 
Left lonely there — your Colleen Bawn? 

You tell me that your friends are leaving 

The dear green isle, to cross the main. 
But don't you think they'll soon be grieving 

For dear ould Ireland once again? 
Can they forget each far-famed river? 

Each hill a thousand songs adorn? 
Can you depart from them for ever — 

Could you forget your Colleen Bawn? 

Sure, Patrick, me you've been beguiling, 

It s not my heart you mane to break, 
Tho' fortune may not now be smiling, 

Your Colleen Bawn you'll not forsake; 
I'll go with you across the sea, dear. 

If brighter days for us wont dawn ; 
No matter where our home may be, dear, 

I still will be your Colleen Bawn. 

THE IRISH EMIGRANT. 

I'm sitting on the stile, Mary, 

Where we sat side by side. 
On a bright May morning long ago. 

When first you were my bride. 
The corn was springing fresh and green, 

And the lark sang loud and high. 
And the red was on your lip Mary, 

And the love light in your eye. 

The place is little changed, Mary, 

The day as bright as theu ; 
The lark's loud song is in my ear, 

And the corn is green again! 
But I miss the soft clasp of your hand. 

And your breath warm on my cheek, 
And I still keep list'ning for the words 

You never more may speak. 

'Tis but a step down yonder lane. 

And the little church stands near: 
The church where we were wed. Mary, 

I see the spire from here. 
But. the graveyard lies between. Mary, 

And my step would break your rest, 
For I've laid you. darling, down to sleep, 

With your baby on your breast. 

I'm very lonely now. Mary, 

For the poor make no new friends; 
But oh! they love the better far, 

The few our Father sends! 
And you were all I had, Mary. 

My blessing and my pride ; 
There's nothing left to care for now, 

Since my poor Mary died. 

I'm bidding you a long farewell, 

My Mary, kind and (rue! 
Bui I'll not forge! you. darling. 

In Ihe land I'm going fo! 
They say there's bread and work for all. 

And the sun Bhines always there: 
But I'll not Forge! old Ireland. 

Were it liftv times as fair! 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



157 



THE MAID OF BALLYHAUNIS. 

My Mary dear! for thee I die, 

O! place thv hand, in mine, love — 
My fathers here were chieftains high, 

Then to my plaints incline, love. 
0, Plaited-hair ! that now we were 

In wedlock's band united, 
For, maiden mine, in grief I'll pine. 

Until our vows are plighted! 

Thou, Rowan-bloom, since thus I rove, 

All worn and faint to greet thee, 
Come to these arms, my constant love, 

With love as true to meet me! 
Alas! my head — its wits are fled, 

I've failed in filial duty — 
My sire did say, " Shun, shun, for aye 

That Ballyhaunis beauty! " 

But thy Ciiilin bun I marked one day, 

Where the blooms of the bean-field cluster, 
Thy bosom white like ocean's spray, 

Thy cheek like rowan-fruit's lustre, 
Thy tones that shame the wild birds fame 

Which sing in the summer weather — 
And O! I sigh that thou, love, and I 

Steal not from this world together! 

If with thy lover thou depart 

To the land of Ships, my fair love, 
No weary pain of head or heart, 

Shall haunt our slumbers there, love — 
0! haste away, ere cold death's prey, 

My soul from thee withdrawn is; 
And mj' hope's reward, the churchyard sward 

In the town of Ballyhaunis! 



HERE'S A HEALTH TO SWEET ERIN. 

Here's a health to sweet Erin! 

When roaming afar, 
She shines in her beauty, 

My soul's guiding star. 
Oh, 'tis long since the green hills 

Of Cavan I saw; 
Erin ! Savourneen, 

Slan laght go bragh! 

Here's a health, etc. 

Here's a health to old friendships, 

And times full of joy, 
To the home and the hearth 

Of my heart when a boy. 
'Mid the wreck of my hopes, 

Nature still keeps her law; 
Matair, Savourneen, 

Slan laght go bragh! 

Here's a health, etc. 

Oh, the land of the Shamrock 

And Harp has a spell 
For this lone heart of mine, 

That no language can tell! 
Oh, 'tis long since the green hills 

Of Cavan I saw; 
Erin ! Savourneen, 

Slan laght go bragh! 

Here's a health, etc, 



NORAH MAGEE. 

Sure it is not at reading and writing 

That Terry's of genius the spark; 
The boy's a deal better at fighting, 
And that he calls making his mark. 

'Tis true he oft sends me a letter 
The strength of his passion to tell: 
I can't read myself — all the better, 
I can take of the writing a spell. 

There's a mighty big D to begin it, 

And then E, A, 1!, I can see; 
So I guess all the rest that is in it. 
For he calls me dear Norah Magee. 

When I bring home the milk in the morning 

I'm thinking of him all the same: 
I know to deceive he'd be scorning 

For love's of his letter the crame. 
I can bake, I can brew, and boil praties, 

And buttermilk too I can make ; 

And as to accomplishments — faith 'tis 

Myself that can dance at a wake. 

It's little that I care for learning, 

For Terry is faithful to me 
And says he'd my name soon be turning 
To another than Norah Magee. 

THE KILKENNY BOY. 

Oh I went to school to Darby Tool, 

Who had been a soldier, I was told; 
His talk of wars, of drums, and scars, 

Came over me when nine years old. 
Then I thought of drums, instead of sums, 

Shillelagh being my writing pen; 
My only books being outside-crooks, 

My only joys were fighting men. 
Then disdaining brogues, I crossed the bogs, 

The little girls would cry when me they'd spy 
" Ah, here's Larry Moore, the Irish boy, 

The nice, the neat, the sweet, complete, 
The handsome, fine, Kilkenny boy." 

When older grown, the girls oehone! 

About their hearts they twisted me, 
'Till Sergeant Shea, he came out one day, 

When, by the powers! he listed me; 
Then Betty Byrne, she left the churn, 

And cried, " You've been deceiving me," 
And Kate O'Neill, faith I'll go bail, 

She'll break her heart for leaving me. 
Then in this plight, a soldier tight, 

I marched as stout as any boy, 
The fair to melt, the foe to pelt, 

None equalled the Kilkenny boy; 
The manly, straight, the clean, complete, 

The beautiful Kilkenny boy. 

But Sergeant Shea, he died one day, 

A bullet laid him on the floor : 
And the same poltogue who spoiled his brogue 

A Sergeant made of Larry Moore. 
And it's when the peace bid fighting cease, 

For the girls, oehone! I had a few, 
Who thought to tease, but none could please, 

Like the pretty Widow Donohoe; 
For 'tis herself, she has the pelf. 

And 'tis myself can spend it joy, 
She cried, "Oehone! you're all my own, 

My thundering fine Kilkenny boy. 
Oh ! you're my broth of a boy, you're my jewel joy, 

You're my own, my fine Kilkenny boy." 



158 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE LAND OF THE SHILLELAH. 

Akraii, sons of green Erin, I'll give you a song, 

The shillelah's my theme, and 1 won't keep you long; 

And if with attention you'll honor the tune, 

To the words you're as welcome as the roses in June. 

The Irish shillelah, och ! faith it's no joke, 

Is nearly akin to the old English oak; 

Their relationship no one will doubt, sine, who knows 

The striking similitude felt in its blows. 

In the land of potatoes, I mane no offence, 

■ shillelah first sprouted, its pride and defence; 
P.y freedom 'twas planted, it flourished and grew, 
And the fame of this sapling is known Ihe world through. 

The shillelah's an Irishman's joy and delight, 

His companion by day, his protection by night ; 

And though rough in appearance, you all must allow, 

That it's mighty engaging when seen in a row. 

Let a bumper then, sons of Hibern'a, go round, 
The toast I propose in your hearts will be found; 
Here's "The Land of Shillelah! and long may the sod 
By the firm foot of friendship and freedom be trod." 

THE SWEET GIRLS OF DERRY. 

Och ! the sweet girls of Derry 

Are comely and merry, 

They have lips like the cherry, 

And teeth like the snow; 
But 'tis not in nature 
To dwell on each feature, 
That every sweet creature 

In Derry can show ! 
Och hone! so pleasant and merry. 
They're quite captivating — the sweet girls of Derry. 

What can I compare to 
Their soft silken hair, too! 
It wouldn't be fair to 

Thus rival the crow; 
And Och ! 'neath its creeping, 
What fair necks were peeping, 
Besides — all in keeping, 

A freckle or so. 
Och hone! so charming and merry 
They bother 'd me quite, did the sweet girls of Derry. 

To see their eyes glitter 

It made my heart twitter, 

But their frown — Och it's bitter 

When clouded their brows! 
Then their dear little noses 
Seem made to smell posies, 
And their breath— shames the rose's, 

'Tis sweet as the cow's! 
Och bone! — so comely and merry. 
They're quite captivating — the sweet girls of Derry. 

So sweet too each voice is, 
Its music so choice is, 
My heart still rejoices 

To think of the strain. 
And to show how they bind me, 
1 left them behind me, 
But soon they shall find me 

In Deny again. 
Och hone! — so pleasant and merry, 
I'd live till I die — for the sweet girls of Derry. 



THE LOVE-SICK MAID. 

The winter it is past, 

And the summer's "ome at last, 
And the small birds sing on every tree; 

The hearts of those are glad. 

Whilst mine is very Bad, 
Whilst my true love is absent from me. 



I'll put on my can of black, 

And fringe about my neck, 
And rings on ny fingers I'll weai ; 

All this I'll undertake. 

For my true lover's sake. 
For he rides at the Curragh of Kildare. 

A livery I'll wear, 

And 1 "1 1 comb down my hair, 

And I'll die>s in the velvet so green: 
Straightways I will repaii 
To the Curragh of Kildare, 

And 'tis there I will get tidings of him. 

With patience she did wait, 

Till they ran for the pis 
In thinking young Johnston to 

But Fortune proved unkind 

To that sweetheart of mine. 
For he's gone to Lurgan for me. 

I should not think it strange, 

The wide world for to range, 
If I could obtain my heart's delight; 

But here in Cupid s chains 

I'm obliged to remain. 
Whilst in tears do I spend the whole night. 

My love is like the sun, 

That in the firmament doth run, 

Which is always constant and true; 
But yours is like the moon, 
That doth —ander up and down, 

And in every month it's new. 

All you that are in love, 
And cannot it remove, 

For you pitied are by me ; 

Experience makes me know- 
That your heart is full of woe. 

Since my true love is absent from me. 

Farewell, my joy and heart. 

Since you and 1 must part, 
You are the fairest that I e'er did see; 

And I never do design 

For to alter my mind, 
Although you are below my degree. 



GRAMACHREE MOLLY. 

As down by Banna's banks I strayed 

One evening in the may. 
The little birds, in blithest notes 

Made vocal every spray. 
They sang their little tales of loves, 

They sang them o'er and o'er; 
Ah! Gramachree, ma Colleenoge, 

.Ma Molly Astore. 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



159 



GRAMACHREE MOLLY— Continued. 

The daisy pied, and all the sweets 

The dawn of nature yields; 
The primrose pale, the vi'let blue, 

Lay scatter'd o'er the fields. 
Such fragrance in the bosom lies 

Of her whom I adore. 

Ah! Gramachree, etc. 

I laid me down upon a bank, 

Bewailing my sad fate, 
That doom'd me thus the slave of love, 

And cruel Molly's hate; 
How can she break the honest heart 

That wears her in its core? 

Ah! Gramachree, etc. 

You said you loved me, Molly dear; 

Ah! why did I believe? 
Yet, who could think such tender words 

Were meant but to deceive ! 
That love was all I ask'd on earth, 

Nay, heav'n could give no more. 

Ah! Gramachree, etc. 

Oh, had I all the flocks that graze 

On yonder yellow hill, 
Or low'd for me the num'rous herds 

That you green pasture fill; 
With her I love I'd gladly share 

My kine, and fleecy store. 

Ah! Gramachree, etc. 

Two turtle doves, above my head 

Sat courting on a bough ; 
I envied not their happiness, 

To see them bill and coo: 
Such fondness once for me was shown 

But now, alas! 'tis o'er. 

Ah ! Gramachree, etc. 

Then fare thee well, my Molly dear, 

Thy loss I e'er shall moan; 
Whilst life remains in this fond heart, 

'Twill beat for thee alone; 
Tho' thou art false, may heaven on thee 

Its choicest blessings pour. 

Ah! Gramachree, etc. 



THE GREEN ISLE. 

Faikest! put on a while 

These pinions of light I bring thee, 
And o'er thy own green isle 

In fancy let me wing thee. 
Never did Ariel's plume 

At golden sunset hover 
O'er scenes so full of bloom. 

As I shall waft thee over. 

Fields, where the Spring delays, 

And fearlessly meets the ardor 
Of the warm Summer's gaze, 

With only her tears to guard her. 
Rocks, through myrtle boughs 

In "race majestic frowning, 
Like some bold warrior's brows 

That Love hath just b~en crowning. 



.MARY OF TRALEE. 

Och hone! and is it true then that my love is coming back 
again? 
And will his face like sunshine come to glad my cottage door? 
'Tis then the clouds will wear away and never will look black 
again, 
For he's written me a letter and we soon shall meet once 
more. 
He tells me he has gold in tore, but oh! he tells me something; 
more, 
He says tho' we've been parted he has still been true to me ; 
And I've to him been faithful too, and will my dream at 
come true? 
Perhaps it's in a coach and four he's coming back from sea. 

He's coming back to me, 
And he's welcome as the sunshine to Mary of Tralee. 

Och, hone! when Terry went away, it's little we'd between us 
then, 
We pledged our hearts, 'twas nothing else that we had got to 
pledge : 
A heart of stone I'm sure it would have melted to have seen us 
then, 
But the only stones that saw us were the cold ones 'ncaUi the 
hedge ; 
But now a lady he'll make me, and Terry Lord Lieutenant be. 

And won't we keep a pig or two, if that should be the ea 
But spite of all his gold in store, if we but meet to part no more, 
I'd give up every penny jist to see his darlin' face, 

For, he's comin' back to me, 
And he's welcome as the sunshine to Mary of Tralee. 

Och, Terry, and I knew it, will become a great and mighty man, 

There never was his equal, as I told him long ago ; 
He only had one failing, that he often was a flighty-man, 

But sure that was the whisky, and not Terry's self, you know. 
But now that he has wiser grown, the whisky p'r'aps he'll Id 
alone, 

And if the boy for spirit lacks, he'll find enough in me; 
For when I ride in all my state, and he a Duke, or Magistrate, 

Sure not a pair more illigant in Dublin town you'll see. 
For he's coming back to me, 
And he's welcome as the sunshine to Mary of Tralee. 

THE LAND OF POTATOES, ! 

If I had on the clear 
But five hundred a year, 
'Tis myself would not fear 

Without adding a farthing to 't; 
Faith if such was my lot, 
Little Ireland's the spot 
Where I'd build a snug cot, 

With a bit of garden to 't. 
As for Italy's dales. 
With their Alps and high vales, 
Where with fine squalling gales, 

Their signoras so treat us O! 

I'd ne'er to them come, 
Nor abroad ever roam, 
But enjoy a sweet home 

In the land of potatoes, 0! 
Hospitality, 
All reality, 
No formality, 

There you ever see; 
But free and easy 
Twould so amaze ye. 
You'd think us all crazy, 
For dull we never be! 



**rw 



160 



SONGS AND BALLADS OF IRELAND. 



THE LAND OF POTATOES, o [—Continued. 

If my friend honest Jack, 
Would but take a small hack, 
And just jji't on his back. 

And with joy gallop full to us; 
He throughout the whole year. 
Then should have the best cheer, 
For faith none so dear 

As our brother John Bull to us! 
And we'd teach him, when there, 
Both to blunder and swear. 
And our brogue with him share, 

Which both genteel and neat is, 0! 
And we'd make him so drink, 
By St. Patrick, I think- 
That he never would shrink 

From the land of potatoes, O! 
Hospitality. &c. 

Thougb.1 freely agree 
I should more happy be 
If some lovely she 

Prom Old England would favor me; 
For no spot on earth 
Can more merit bring forth. 
If with beauty and worth 

You embellish'd would have her be: 

Good breeding, good nature, 

You find in each feature. 

That nought you've to teach her — 

So sweet and complete she's, 0! 
Then if Fate would but send 
Unto me such a friend, 
What a life would I spend 

In the land of potatoes, O! 
Hospitality, &c. 

SHAMUS O'BRIEN. 

Oh! sweet is the smile of the beautiful morn 

As it peeps through the curtain of night; 
And the voice of the nightingale singing his tune, 

While the stars seem to smile with delight. 
Old nature now lingers in silent repose, 

And the sweet breath of summer is calm ; 
While I sit and wonder if Shamus e'er knows 

How sad and unhappy I am. 

Chorus. 

Oh! Shamus O'Brien, why don't you come home? 

You don't know how happy I'll be: 
I've but one darling wish, and that is that you'd come, 

And forever be happy with me. 

I'll smile when you smile, and I'll weep when you weep, 

And I'll give you a kiss for a kiss; 
And all the fond vows that I've made you I'll keep, 

What more can 1 promise than this? 
Does the sea have such bright and such beautiful charms, 

That your heart will not leave it for me? 
Oh! why did I let you get out of my arms, 

Like a bird that was caged and is free? — Chorus. 

Oh ! Shamus O'Brien, I'm loving you yet. 

And my heart is still trusting and kind : 
It was you who first took it, and can you forget 

That love for another you'd find ? 
No! no! if you break it with sorrow and pain, 

I'll then have a duty to do; 
If you'll bring it to me, I'll mend it again. 

■ 1 1 dear Shamus, to vou. — Chorus. 



THE GREEN ISLE.— Continued. 

Islets, so freshly fair, 

That never hath bird conic nigh them, 
But from his course through air 

lie hath been won down by them. 
Typ< s. sweet maid, of thee. 

Whose look, whose blush inviting. 
Never did Love yel 

From Heaven, without alighting. 



Lakes, where the pearl lies hid, 

And caves where the gem is sleeping, 
Bright as the tears thy lid 

Lets fall in lonely weeping 
Glens, where Ocean comes, 

To 'scape the wild wind's rancor, 
And harbors, worthiest homes. 

Where Freedom's licet can anchor. 



Then, if, while scenes so grand, 

So beautiful, shine before thee. 
Pride for thy own dear land 

Should haply be stealing o'er thee, 
O, let grief come first. 

O'er pride itself victorious- 
Thinking how man hath curst 

What Heaven had made so glorious! 



PADDY, YE RASCAL. 

Ye have been to the fair wid ye, 

Paddy, ye rascal ; 
Ye had Biddy O'Hair wid ye, 

Paddy, ye rascal; 
It's mesilf is a flame at ye, 
Ye a'ght to think shame uv ye — 

Paddy, ye rascal. 



Ye swore by the sun and moon, 

Paddy, ye rascal, 
Ye'd marry me late or soon, 

Paddy, ye rascal: 
Is this how you sigh for me, 
Pretendin' to die for me? 
Och ! you told a big lie to me, 

Paddv. ye rascal. 



Give mo none uv your blarney now, 

Paddy, ye rascal ; 
For what do 1 care me now? 

Paddy, ye rascal ; 
Ochone. ye oppriss me now — 
Ye what? ye did miss me now? 
Musha ! wud ye kiss me now? 

Paddy, ye rascal. 



Arrah. now! don't bother me, 

Paddy, ye rascal : 
In truth, and ye'll smother me! 

Paddy, my rascal — 
Ye "dreamed uv me! " did ye now? 
Vow. wasn't it Biddy, now? 
Co to the — praise, and luck wid ye now! 

Paddy, ye rascal. 






o 




OM-ALL-YE'S ^ 




AND 



^*H 




BALLADS 



OF 



IRELAND 










THE POPULAR PUBLISHING CO., 335 Broadway, New York. 

><XXXXXXXXXX>G><X><XXXXXXXXX><X>0 



LIST OF POPULAR AND STANDARD BOOKS. 



RU 

An Expert Typist? 

Whatever you aim to be, aim to be the best. 
The average operator stops half way. Don't 
do il! Be sa'isfied with nothing short of per- 
fect ion. Be an expert, and that will rank you 
with the best. This can only be attained by 
pursuing the best method There is only one 
" best " of everything. In typewriter instrue 
tion books, we claim that we have it in the 

Twentieth Century 
Typewriter In= 
structor. 

This woik bus been on the market less than 
one year, and has met with the most unquali- 
fied mc ess. Within that short time the first 
edition was rapidly exhausted, but a second 
and larger edition is now ready. 

As its name implits, this work is an up-to- 
date mi th d of teaching typewriting. The 
'i tie wmk was originally made upon a type- 
iier, a> d reduced by photography to a con- 
■lent size. It contains specimens of every 
i (if document, including letters, bills, 
testimony, specifications, plays, etc., etc. 
example is au exact reproduction of an 
nal, even to the extent of underscoring in 
nk. 

e Manual has already been adopted by 

'ii; > f the largest shorthand schools as a 

r text-book. The general verdict is that 

the best woik of the kind published." 

Pi bound in cloth, $1, 



Just the Word 
Wanted. 



This is a Complete 
and Splendidly arranged 
Hand - book of English 
Synonyms, giving an 
a'phabetical list of the 
Words Expressing Every 
Shade of Meaning. Writ- 
ing is an Art, and so is 
Talking, and nothing 
else so Exposes the Men. 
tal Povetty of Men and 
Women as their Limited 
Vocabulary — their inabil" 
ity to use just the Right Word at the right 
time. Better be Lame in the Feet than in 
the Speech. To have a Ready Command 
of Words indicates culture and makes 
Companionship a Pleasure. To Make 
Your Conversation Agreeable you must 
use a Nice Discrimination in the Choice of 
Words, aud this handy little book will 
Enable You to do it, until fluency of 
Speech will become a habit. 126 pages, 
size 5J x 3£. Flexible cloth, price 25 cts. ; 
Russia Leather, indexed, 50 cts. 




The Wilderness of Worlds. 

UP-TO-DATE SCIENTIFIC WORK. 



For over two-score years, Mr. G. W. Morehouse, the well- 
known author, scientist aud astronomer, has be n actively 
enraged in gathering the materials for his grand work called 
The Wilderness of Worlds. 

This book is a popular treatise on the "Evolution of Matter 
from Nebula to Man, and the Life-Orbit of a Siar." 

The facts given by Mr. Morehouse are based on the latese 
discovcies of modern research; the authorities quoteil includs 
the most advanced thinkers and specialist in the arious brancher 
of scientific inquiry ; the arguments used ate as plain and fleas 
as they are concise and convincing, end the entire volume is at 
interesting as it is instructive— as eloquent as it is profound. 

Indeed, The Wilderness of Worlds is so plain, so earnest, so 
impartial, and so reasonable, that to quote a popular scriptural 
text, even " The wayfaring man. though [not necessarily] a fool, 
need not err therein.'' With beautiful engraved illustrations, 
handsome cloth cover. Price, $1.00, postpaid. 




Any of the above books sent post paid on receipt of price. Address all orders to 
POPULAR PUBLISHING CO., 335 Broadway, New York. 



169 9 




















































































































































Deaciditied using the Bookkeeper process 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 



Treatment Date: August 2009 



PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION 






1 1 1 Thomson Partt Onve 
Cranbwry Township, PA 16066 
(724) 779-21 It 



_ 





s 

































































"<P A X 





















- 



\ 


























































°* 





































































•^ 


















.-. 






,y> \\ 















